Merck to collaborate with F-star to strengthen immuno-oncology portfolio

“Our collaboration with F-star will help us to rapidly enhance our pipeline and grow our portfolio of bispecific immunotherapies. This deal complements our internal capabilities in immuno-oncology and positions us as a potential leader in this important area of research,” said Luciano Rossetti, executive vice president, global head of research & development at the biopharma business of Merck.

Under these agreements and upon delivery of pre-defined data packages, Merck has the option to acquire five of F-star’s bispecific programs. This option includes exclusive development and commercialisation rights to F-star’s preclinical lead asset FS118, which is designed to block LAG-3 (Lymphocyte-Activation Gene 3) and PDL1 (Programmed Death-Ligand 1), two pathways commonly used by cancer cells to evade the immune system. 

In addition, F-star will grant Merck exclusive development and commercial rights to four novel bispecific antibodies of Merck’s choosing from F-star’s bispecific antibody platform. These bispecific antibodies target specific pathways to augment the anti-tumor immune response. In return, Merck will pay up to € 115 million in upfront, R&D funding and milestone payments in the first 2 years, and may make further payments upon exercising its option and based on milestones.

Merck already has a bifunctional antibody in its pipeline, M7824. Currently in Phase I, M7824 is believed to combine two mechanisms in one molecule to fight cancer. The addition of assets from F-star’s bispecific antibody platform enrich and complement Merck’s existing in-house technologies investigating molecules that offer the potential advantage of taking a dual approach to tackling cancer. 

“This immuno-oncology collaboration expands our strong relationship with Merck and is a further validation of the potential of F-star’s bispecific antibody platform. Our vision is to transform the treatment of cancer. This is the objective of partnering our lead asset FS118 and other next-generation immuno-oncology compounds with Merck,” said John Haurum, CEO of F-star.