AstraZeneca and Merck form collaboration

AstraZeneca and Merck & Co have announced a collaboration to research a novel combination anticancer regimen composed of two investigational compounds, MK-2206 from Merck and AZD6244 from AstraZeneca.

Preclinical evidence suggests that combined administration of the two compounds could enhance their anticancer properties.

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca and Merck will work together to evaluate co-administration of the compounds in a Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of solid cancer tumours. All development costs will be shared. Following the trial, the companies will consider opportunities for further clinical development.

This is the first time that two large pharma companies have established a collaboration to evaluate the potential for combining molecules at such an early stage. It is hoped that the move will advance this potentially promising treatment much more quickly

www.astrazeneca.comwww.merck.com