Merck KGaA signs aptamer R&D deal with Archemix

Darmstadt, Germany-based Merck KGaA has signed a multi-year, multi-target agreement with Archemix Corp of Cambridge, Massachusetts, that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class aptamer-based therapeutics to treat cancer.

Under terms of the deal, Archemix will receive an upfront payment and committed research funding of as much as $10.0 million. Archemix could also receive milestones and royalty payments for products successfully commercialized under the collaboration. In addition, the firm may co-promote products that result from the collaboration. Other financial terms were not disclosed.