MRC Technology monetizes royalties on cancer drug Keytruda

15 July 2016
2019_biotech_test_vial_discovery_big

UK medical research charity MRC Technologyhas monetized a portion of its royalty interest in a leading cancer drug, pembrolizumab - marketed by Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) as Keytruda - with a private equity fund managed by DRI Capital (DRI) for $150 million (£115.6 million).

Pembrolizumab is a new generation treatment which stimulates the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Scientists at MRC Technology humanized the antibody-based treatment, which has been approved in the USA for treating advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer, with Breakthrough designations under Food and Drug Administration’s accelerated approval pathway awarded for colorectal cancer and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. A number of trials in other cancers are showing promising results.

Monetization will allow MRC to invest in other research areas

This article is accessible to registered users, to continue reading please register for free.  A free trial will give you access to exclusive features, interviews, round-ups and commentary from the sharpest minds in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space for a week. If you are already a registered user please login. If your trial has come to an end, you can subscribe here.

Login to your account

Become a subscriber

 

£820

Or £77 per month

Subscribe Now
  • Unfettered access to industry-leading news, commentary and analysis in pharma and biotech.
  • Updates from clinical trials, conferences, M&A, licensing, financing, regulation, patents & legal, executive appointments, commercial strategy and financial results.
  • Daily roundup of key events in pharma and biotech.
  • Monthly in-depth briefings on Boardroom appointments and M&A news.
  • Choose from a cost-effective annual package or a flexible monthly subscription
The Pharma Letter is an extremely useful and valuable Life Sciences service that brings together a daily update on performance people and products. It’s part of the key information for keeping me informed

Chairman, Sanofi Aventis UK

Companies featured in this story

More ones to watch >


Today's issue

Company Spotlight





More Features in Biotechnology