Daiichi Sankyo and Merck Sign Pact For DXd Antibody Drug

Daiichi Sankyo and Merck, also known as MSD internationally, have broadened their current global collaboration agreement to include Merck's MK-6070, an experimental T-cell engager aimed at delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3), alongside three investigational DXd antibody-drug conjugates. The companies will collaborate in the global development and commercialization of MK-6070, with the exception of Japan, where Merck will retain full rights. Merck will have full responsibility for the production and distribution of MK-6070.

MK-6070 is a T-cell engager that focuses on DLL3, a suppressive Notch ligand commonly found in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and neuroendocrine tumors, currently under review in a phase 1/2 clinical study (NCT04471727). The companies are intending to assess MK-6070 in conjunction with ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd) in specific SCLC patients, along with exploring other possible combinations. Merck acquired MK-6070 by purchasing Harpoon Therapeutics.

“Expanding our oncology pipeline with a DLL3 T-cell engager further supports Daiichi Sankyo’s strategy to create new standards of care for patients with cancer worldwide,” said Ken Takeshita, MD, global head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Merck with the addition of MK-6070 as it provides potential synergies with our established antibody-drug conjugate collaboration, particularly ifinatamab deruxtecan, and demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing new medicines for patients.”

“Small cell lung cancer is an aggressive, fast-growing form of lung cancer and new treatment approaches are urgently needed,” said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are pleased to build upon our collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo and look forward to evaluating the novel combination of MK-6070 and ifinatamab deruxtecan in small cell lung cancer and other forms of cancer."