October 8,Cambridge, UK – Mestag Therapeutics, a biotechnology company leveraging new insights into fibroblast-immune interactions, announced that it has entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with MSD to identify novel targets for drug development in inflammatory diseases. Mestag will utilize its Reverse Activated Fibroblast Technology (RAFT) platform, a proprietary platform specifically designed to model the pathogenic role of fibroblasts in human disease, to identify new drug targets. MSD has the option to license one or more targets, up to a pre-specified number, and will be responsible for the discovery, development, and commercialization of the resulting therapies.
Dr. Susan Hill, CEO of Mestag Therapeutics, said:"Mestag Therapeutics is built on groundbreaking insights into the immune biology of fibroblasts. As an early innovator in this research field, we have established a robust pipeline of antibody programs and created a unique and productive target discovery platform. We are acutely aware of the significant unmet needs faced daily by patients with inflammatory diseases. We are thrilled to collaborate with MSD to drive continued innovation for the benefit of patients."Under the terms of the agreement, Mestag will provide MSD with the option to obtain an exclusive license to develop and commercialize treatments targeting a predetermined number of potential targets identified in the collaboration. In return, Mestag will receive an upfront payment and access fee and is eligible for option fees and downstream milestone payments, which could total up to $1.9 billion.Marc Levesque, Ph.D., Vice President of Immunology Discovery at Merck Sharp & Dohme AG Research Laboratories, stated:"The role of activated fibroblasts in directing immune activity offers exciting new therapeutic potential. We look forward to collaborating with the Mestag team to identify new potential treatment options for patients with fibrotic and inflammatory diseases."Follow the official account below to explore the world with you!
