Merus and Partner Therapeutics Announce License Agreement for the U.S. Commercialization of Zenocutuzumab in NRG1 Fusion-Positive Cancer

On December 2, 2024 Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) (Merus, the Company, we, or our), a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative, full-length multispecific antibodies (Biclonics and Triclonics) and Partner Therapeutics, Inc. (PTx), a private, fully-integrated biotechnology company with a focus in hematology and oncology, reported they have entered into an agreement in which Merus has exclusively licensed to PTx the right to commercialize zenocutuzumab (Zeno) for the treatment of NRG1 fusion-positive (NRG1+) cancer in the United States (U.S.).

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"We are thrilled to work with the seasoned team at PTx to advance our mission to bring Zeno to patients with NRG1+ cancer," said Shannon Campbell, Chief Commercial Officer of Merus. "We believe PTx is an ideal partner to support Zeno given their oncology commercialization expertise and executive team’s deep understanding and experience with NRG1+ cancer."

"Zeno has the potential to be the first and only targeted therapy for patients with NRG1+ non-small cell lung and pancreatic cancer, and may offer a substantial improvement over currently available therapies," said Sarah Kurz, President and Chief Operating Officer of PTx. " We are grateful to Merus for their development of Zeno, which has the potential to fill an unmet medical need for these patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, following a specified transition period, PTx will assume full rights to U.S. commercialization of Zeno for the treatment of NRG1+ cancer. In exchange for the rights granted under the license agreement, Merus will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive milestones and high single digit to low double-digit royalty payments based on the annual net sales of Zeno in NRG1+ cancer in the U.S. for any potential future sales.

A Biologics License Application for Zeno is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with previously treated NRG1+ non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer.

(Press release, Merus, DEC 2, 2024, View Source [SID1234661244])