Thursday, March 17, 2011

Ariad Takes Some Additional (Future) Ridaforolimus Margin From Merck


Again, this will never be a blockbuster drug for Merck -- if and when approved -- but this is good news for Ariad, as Merck will have to share more of the margin with Ariad, now.

In any event, here's a bit of the item:

. . . .[T]he terms of the license agreement that ARIAD and Merck entered into in May 2010 for the development, manufacture and commercialization of ridaforolimus in oncology [contemplate that] ARIAD has the option to co-promote ridaforolimus with up to 20 percent of the sales effort for the product in all indications in the U.S., and Merck will compensate ARIAD for its sales efforts. . . .

“By co-promoting ridaforolimus in the U.S., ARIAD will contribute to its commercial success in the sarcoma indication, gain important commercial experience in oncology prior to ponatinib’s potential approval and maintain close visibility on Merck’s progress and plans for commercializing ridaforolimus in other cancer indications,” he added.

Details of the co-promotion will be finalized in a co-promotion agreement to be negotiated by ARIAD and Merck. Merck has indicated its intention to file for marketing approval of ridaforolimus in patients with metastatic sarcomas this year. . . .

We will keep you posted.

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