Incyte Corporation
In December 2016, Merus and Incyte entered into a global, strategic collaboration focused on the research, discovery and development of bispecific antibodies utilizing Merus’ proprietary Biclonics® technology platform. As part of the agreement, Incyte received exclusive rights for up to eleven bispecific or monospecific antibody research programs.
MCLA-145, a Biclonics® targeting PD-L1 and CD137, is the first program of the collaboration and entered the clinic in 2019. Merus retains all rights to develop and commercialize MCLA-145, if approved, in the United States, and Incyte has the right to develop and commercialize, if approved, products arising from this program outside the United States. Merus also has the option to co-fund development of product candidates arising from two other programs. In addition to receiving an upfront payment and equity investment, Merus receives reimbursement for research activities related to the collaboration and is eligible to receive potential development, regulatory and commercial milestones and sales royalties.