Merck KGaA Licenses Versamune Platform

PDS Biotechnology Corp. and Merck KGaA have entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement under which Merck gains access to PDS’ Versamune nanotechnology platform for two of its preclinical antigen-specific cancer immunotherapies.
 
PDS will receive an undisclosed upfront payment in cash, as well as development, commercial and sales milestones. PDS will also receive royalties on sales of products incorporating the technology.
 
Dr. Frank Bedu-Addo, chief executive officer of PDS Biotechnology said, “We are very pleased that Merck, which is experienced in the clinical development of cancer immunotherapies, would like to utilize the Versamune technology. For PDS, this deal is important since the company’s business strategy is focused on a few strategic out-licensing or partnering deals at a preclinical or early clinical stage. This is the stage where companies will be seeking to enhance their pipelines by taking advantage of a new technology that has broad potential applications in clinical research into the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious diseases.”