Bangalore, Sept 29, 2008: Chennai-India based Orchid Chemicals and pharmaceuticals limited and MSD Pharmaceuticals, Merck’s subsidiary in India have established a strategic research collaboration and license agreement. This agreement will focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of agents for the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections.
As part of the deal, Orchid will be paid an undisclosed upfront sum (more than $100 million) associated with achievements of various research and development milestones.
While Orchid will undertake discovery and candidate development through phase-2a human clinical trials, Merck will conduct late-stage clinical development and commercialization if regulatory approval is granted.
Microbial infection and the increased incidence of drug resistant organism represents a serious unmet medical need, hence this agreement intensifies our ongoing commitment to development of antibiotic and antifungal agents,” said Dr. Mervyn Turner, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Licensing and External Research, Merck.
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