Moderna, Merck in RNA-based Vax Pact

Moderna Therapeutics and Merck have entered a license and collaboration agreement for the discovery and development of vaccines and passive immunity treatments against viral diseases using Moderna’s modified messenger RNA (mRNA) expertise. Moderna’s efforts will be led by Valera, its venture focused on the development of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics to fight infectious disease. Preclinical research at Moderna shows the ability of modified mRNA to express viral antigens in vivo and to induce robust immune responses.
 
The three-year research collaboration is focused on the development of new mRNA-based treatments and vaccines against four undisclosed viruses. Moderna will receive a $50 million upfront cash payment from Merck in exchange for licenses to commercialize five product candidates, and Merck will make a $50 million equity investment in Moderna.
 
Moderna will be eligible for development and commercial milestones, as well as royalties on sales. Merck will lead the discovery and development of candidates and commercialization of any products resulting from the agreement, while Moderna will design and synthesize the messenger RNA product candidates directed against selected targets.
 
“Given the tremendous potential for messenger RNA Therapeutics across a wide range of therapeutic applications, establishing long-term strategic relationships with world leaders in their fields will accelerate our ability to bring mRNA products to patients in need,” said Stephane Bancel, president and chief executive officer of Moderna. “Merck’s worldwide leadership in vaccines and anti-infective treatments make them an ideal collaborator for us, particularly given their strong commitment to innovation and new approaches to prevent and treat serious viral diseases. We are excited to work in collaboration to move these promising programs forward for patients.”
 
“By combining Merck’s strength in vaccine and antiviral therapeutic development with Moderna’s mRNA Therapeutics technology we are well positioned to develop differentiated candidates with the potential to provide meaningful benefit to patients,” said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president of Merck Research Laboratories. “We look forward to working with the scientific and technical teams at Moderna.”