Merck in supply deal for up to 100K doses of MK-7110 for COVID-19

 

• Merck (NYSE:MRK) inks agreement with the U.S. Government to support the development, manufacture and initial distribution of an investigational biological therapeutic (CD24Fc, to be named MK-7110) upon FDA approval or Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
• Under the agreement, Merck will receive up to ~$356M for manufacturing and supply of approx. 60,000-100,000 doses of MK-7110 through June 30, 2021. This approach is intended to expedite delivery of MK-7110.
• MRK is also investing to expand its manufacturing capacity to increase supply of MK-7110.
• Merck acquired MK-7110 through the acquisition of privately-held OncoImmune.
• In September 2020, OncoImmune reported findings from Phase 3 study that COVID-19 patients treated with a single dose of MK-7110 showed a 60% higher probability of improvement compared to placebo. The risk of death or respiratory failure was reduced by more than 50%.
• https://seekingalpha.com/news/3646907-merck-inks-supply-deal-for-up-to-100k-doses-of-mkminus-7110-for-covidminus-19