#United States #San Diego #Halozyme #Merus #Petosemtamab

Merus and Halozyme Collaborate on Cancer Treatment

In a landmark move for the oncology field, Merus N.V. and Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. have entered into a global collaboration and license agreement aimed at developing a subcutaneous formulation of petosemtamab, an innovative bispecific antibody targeting EGFR and LGR5. This collaboration marks a promising advancement in cancer treatment options, particularly for patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and other solid tumors.

The Importance of Subcutaneous Delivery

Subcutaneous drug delivery offers an alternative to intravenous methods, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for patients. Utilizing Halozyme's proprietary ENHANZE® technology, which facilitates the efficient dispersal and absorption of medications, Merus seeks to revolutionize how petosemtamab is administered. The potential benefits of this method include improved treatment efficacy, reduced administration time, and a better overall experience for patients.

Peter Silverman, the Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Merus, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "Petosemtamab continues to show encouraging results in clinical studies across numerous solid tumor cancers and has the potential to become a first and best in class treatment. We are eager to work closely with Halozyme's team to capitalize on the advantages of subcutaneous administration."

Halozyme's CEO, Dr. Helen Torley, remarked, "We are excited to collaborate with Merus to advance treatment options for patients with r/m HNSCC and other potential indications." This partnership represents an important opportunity for the ENHANZE® technology to facilitate a more efficient treatment approach while enhancing the patient journey.

Financial Aspects of the Collaboration

As part of the agreement, Merus has committed to making an upfront payment to Halozyme, alongside possible future milestone payments based on commercial and sales milestones, contingent upon regulatory approvals. Furthermore, Halozyme will be entitled to receive low-mid single-digit royalties on net sales of the petosemtamab employing the ENHANZE® technology. This financial arrangement underscores the expectations both companies have for the product's success in the marketplace.

About the Companies Involved

Halozyme Therapeutics, based in San Diego, is at the forefront of improving patient experiences through innovative drug delivery solutions. Their patented ENHANZE® technology utilizes a recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme (rHuPH20) to enhance the ease of subcutaneous drug delivery, benefitting both emerging and established therapies. They have successfully licensed their technology to top pharmaceutical firms and have contributed to the successful administration of therapies for over one million patients globally.

On the other hand, Merus is recognized for its unique Multiclonics® therapeutic approach, which focuses on developing full-length bispecific and trispecific antibody treatments. These are engineered to maintain the beneficial attributes of traditional antibodies, such as long half-lives and reduced immunogenicity, while offering advanced capabilities tailored to treat various cancers.

Looking Ahead

The move to develop a subcutaneous formulation for petosemtamab is anticipated to have a significant impact on treatment delivery methods for solid tumors. With encouraging preliminary results from clinical studies and a collaborative effort that combines the expertise of both companies, the initiative may herald a new age of more effective, patient-friendly cancer therapies.

As the regulatory process unfolds, both Merus and Halozyme are poised to make groundbreaking strides in oncology, awaiting the next milestones in their journey to enhance patient care and treatment outcomes across the globe.