Pfizer and Merck KGaA collaborate to develop immunu-oncology drug

WASHINGTON - Nov. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Pfizer and Merck KGaA have announced plans to enter into an agreement to jointly develop and commercialize the investigational anti-PD-L1 antibody MSB0010718C developed by Merck KGaA to treat multiple forms of cancer. The aim of this joint venture is to discover the antibody’s therapeutic effect as a single agent and in combination with approved products and investigational therapies from both companies’ oncology portfolio.

Merck KGaA will receive an upfront payment of $850 million from Pfizer and is also eligible to receive regulatory and commercial milestone payments up to approximately $2 billion. Development and commercialization costs will be funded by both companies and all sales revenues from anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 products will be shared equally.

“This global alliance enables Pfizer and Merck KGaA to join forces and combine complementary strengths with the goal of meeting the needs of patients with multiple types of cancer,” said Albert Bourla, group president Vaccines, Oncology and Consumer Healthcare Businesses, Pfizer. “Immuno-oncology is a top priority for Pfizer. Combining this promising anti-PD-L1 antibody with Pfizer’s extensive portfolio of small molecules and antibodies, provides an opportunity to potentially broaden the use of immunotherapy for patients with cancer and rapidly expand our oncology business. In addition, this alliance enables us to significantly accelerate the timeframe of our development programs and move into the first wave of potential immuno-oncology based treatment regimens.”

A Phase 1 trial for the antibody is currently in progress to assess 550 patients with multiple types of cancers. According to interim data from the Phase 1 study, complete to partial responses were observed in patients with non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. Another Phase 2 study is also underway to evaluate the anti-PD-L1 antibody in patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer.

CANDIDATES WHO WANT TO BREAK INTO PHARMACEUTICAL SALES!

This collaboration represents the continual effort by both companies to expand their presence in the immuno-oncology market and explore more treatment options in areas of unmet medical need. With such industry leaders paving the way on identifying new beneficial therapeutic breakthroughs, they will need both certified and qualified individuals to promote their diversified product portfolio. When industry leaders look for new candidates for sales/marketing positions, they look toward individuals that are industry trained. Companies are looking for people that have the background to promote their product both proficiently and efficiently.

The NAPSRx® is a trade association for pharmaceutical sales reps, sales managers and sales trainers who work in the pharmaceutical industry. NAPSRx® provides Continuing Medical Education to its members as well as CNPR® Certification to candidates who look to enter a pharmaceutical sales career. The CNPR® Program represents a level of industry achievement and a demonstrated knowledge of pharmacology, medical terminology, pharmaceutical selling guidelines, physician selling techniques and industry standards. Upon successful completion of the training each student will receive the Certification Mark of the CNPR®.

Individuals that are interested in becoming a Certified National Pharmaceutical Representative (CNPR) can contact the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives(NAPSRx) for more information or visit the website at http://napsronline.org/.