Daiichi And MSD Broaden DXd ADC Collaboration Worldwide

Daiichi Sankyo and MSD have widened their partnership to create and market three DXd-based antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) all over the world.

DXd is the name of Daiichi Sankyo’s unique ADC technology platform. MK-6070, MSD’s delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) targeting T-cell engager, will be part of the deal.

As part of its purchase of Harpoon Therapeutics, MSD got MK-6070.

A Phase I/II clinical study is being done to see if this asset could be used to treat neuroendocrine tumors and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

The companies will work together to make and sell the MK-6070 all over the world, except in Japan, where MSD will have full rights.

For some people with SCLC, the companies want to look into how MK-6070 might work with other possible combos, like ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd).

Furthermore, MSD will receive $170 million in advance payment in addition to meeting a potential payment promise made in the original deal.

The costs of research and development (R&D) and the money made from selling the MK-6070 around the world (except Japan) will be split evenly between the two companies. Royalties will be distributed to Daiichi Sankyo according to sales.

For splitting the costs of research and development for MK-6070 with ifinatamab deruxtecan, the terms set out in the original deal must be followed.

The new connection builds on the one that Daiichi Sankyo and MSD started in October 2023 when they agreed to work together to make and sell three experimental DXd antibody-drug conjugates.

In Japan, these assets can only be used by Daiichi Sankyo. The three names are raludotatug deruxtecan (R-DXd), ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd), and patritumab deruxtecan (HER3-DXd).

Ken Takeshita, head of research and development at Daiichi Sankyo, says that adding a DLL3 T-cell engager to their oncology pipeline helps them reach their goal of establishing global benchmarks for cancer patient care.

They are excited to grow their relationship with Merck now that MK-6070 is part of it. This is because it shows that they are both committed to finding new ways to help patients and could work well with the way they are already working together on antibody-drug conjugates, especially with ifinatamab deruxtecan.