Bayer licenses Ardea's MEKs for up to $407M

Germany's Bayer HealthCare AG has entered into an accord with USA-based Ardea Biosciences focused on the development of small-molecule  mitogen-activated ERK kinase inhibitors for the treatment of solid  tumors.

Potential payments to Ardea under the agreement could total up to $407.0  million, not including royalties. This amount includes an up front cash  payment of $35.0 million, as well as additional amounts upon achievement  of certain development, regulatory and sales-based milestones. In  addition, Ardea is also eligible to receive low double-digit royalties  on sales of products under the accord.

Ardea will be responsible for the completion of the Phase I and Phase  I/II studies currently being conducted for RDEA119. Thereafter, Bayer  will be in charge for the further development and commercialization of  RDEA119 and any of Ardea's other MEK inhibitors.