Our Pipeline

Zeno is an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)-enhanced human IgG1 Biclonics^® that utilizes the Merus Dock & Block^® mechanism to inhibit the neuregulin/HER3 tumor-signaling pathway in solid tumors with NRG1 gene fusions (NRG1+). Through its unique mechanism of binding to HER2 and potently blocking the interaction of HER3 with its ligand NRG1 or NRG1-fusion proteins, Zeno has the potential to be particularly effective against NRG1+ cancer. In preclinical studies, Zeno also potently inhibits HER2/HER3 heterodimer formation and tumor growth. Zeno’s mechanism of action provides the potential to overcome tumor cells inherent and acquired resistance to HER2-targeted therapies by both blocking tumor growth, survival pathways and recruiting immune effector cells to help eliminate tumors.

Petosemtamab is an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-enhanced human, IgG1, Biclonics^® that binds leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) and epidermal grown factor receptor (EGFR). In preclinical models, petosemtamab demonstrated tumor regression or growth inhibition in multiple in vivo models, both blocking EGFR signaling and triggering EGFR degradation in LGR5+ cancer cells. Petosemtamab is designed to both block growth and survival pathways in cancer cells and to engage immune effector cells to directly kill cancer cells present on solid tumors.

MCLA-145 is a human IgG1 Biclonics^® T-cell agonist. MCLA-145 binds with high affinity and specificity to PD-L1 and CD137. A unique immunostimulatory profile of MCLA-145 derives from the ability to potently activate immune effector cells in the context of the tumor microenvironment while simultaneously blocking inhibitory signals in the same immune cell population.

MCLA-129 is an ADCC-enhanced human IgG1 Biclonics^® that binds to EGFR and c-MET. In preclinical models, MCLA-129 blocks growth and survival pathways and engages immune effector mechanisms to kill cancer cells. MCLA-129 reverses resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and inhibits tumor growth in xenograft models of NSCLC. Merus has exclusively licensed Betta Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. to develop and potentially commercialize MCLA-129 in China, while Merus retains full rights ex-China.

Merus to receive potential milestones for advancement of this clinical candidate in development, and potential milestones and royalties upon commercialization, if approved.

Merus to receive potential milestones for advancement of this clinical candidate in development, and potential milestones and royalties upon commercialization, if approved.