Sign in Subscribe
Health care industry

Amrad's Partner Merck Selects Lead Therapeutic Antibody for Asthma Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Biotechnology firm Amrad has announced that its partner Merck & Co., Inc has selected a lead therapeutic antibody for full preclinical development as a potential new treatment for asthma and other respiratory diseases. Amrad's antibody targets a subunit of the IL-13 receptor, over which the company holds patents, including a recently granted US patent. This milestone marks a significant step towards bringing a new treatment option to the millions of people affected by asthma, with the disease estimated to affect 300 million people worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amrad's partner Merck has selected a lead therapeutic antibody for full preclinical development as a potential new treatment for asthma and other respiratory diseases.
  • The antibody targets a subunit of the IL-13 receptor, which Amrad holds patents for, including a recently granted US patent.
  • Amrad has received payments totaling US$14 million, with further preclinical milestones payments expected to flow to the company within the financial year.
  • The selection of the lead therapeutic antibody marks a significant milestone in the project, moving it one step closer to the clinic.
  • Asthma is a highly inflammatory disease that affects 300 million people worldwide, with new approaches to therapy required due to the increasing death rate in some countries.
  • The development of drugs to reduce the effects of IL-13 in the lung is a promising new approach for treating severe asthma.
  • The project continues to make excellent progress, with Amrad and Merck working together to bring a new treatment option to market.
  • Dr. Andrew Nash, Amrad's Chief Executive Officer, has expressed delight with the pace of progress, indicating that the selection of the lead therapeutic antibody is a significant milestone.

Statistics:

  • 300 million: The estimated number of people affected by asthma worldwide.
  • US$112 million: The potential value of the partnership between Merck and Amrad.
  • US$14 million: The total amount of payments received by Amrad from Merck.
  • 2010: The year in which Merck selected the lead therapeutic antibody for preclinical development.

Sources:

  • "Amrad Partners IL-13 Receptor Antibody Project with Merck" (Asia Pulse, 2010)
  • "Amrad's Partner Merck Selects Lead Therapeutic Antibody for Asthma Treatment" (Asia Pulse, 2010)

Read more