Partnerships
Partnerships and License Agreements
Avalo Therapeutics targets product candidates for which human proof-of-concept exists in the intended indication, for either the target or the compound, and for which biomarkers are available to guide development. We target conditions where we believe current treatments fail to address medical needs, and where we can apply clinical strategies to increase signal detection. Successfully in-licensing product candidates that meet these criteria is critical to our success.
Janssen
In August 2017, we sold to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Janssen") full rights to AVTX-501 (formerly CERC-501) for initial gross proceeds of $25 million, as well as a potential future $20 million regulatory milestone payment. Under the terms of the agreement, Janssen will assume the ongoing clinical trials and be responsible for any new development and commercialization of AVTX-501.
Merck
In April 2013, we entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Merck to develop and commercialize CERC-301, an oral, NR2B specific NMDA receptor antagonist, for the prevention, diagnosis and/ treatment of human diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Avalo will be responsible for development and commercialization of CERC-301 and/or any product containing CERC-301. Merck will receive an upfront payment plus certain milestone payments and a percentage of net sales.
In March 2013, Avalo entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Merck pursuant to which Merck granted Avalo rights to small molecule compounds known to inhibit the enzyme COMT as its primary mechanism of action and any pharmaceutical product containing such compounds for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck is to receive an upfront licensing fee as well as milestones and tiered royalty payments. Avalo assumes all responsibilities associated with development and commercialization of said compounds and/or products.