The novel combinations involve Merck Serono‘s MEK inhibitor MSC1936369B (also known as AS703026), Sanofi-aventis PI3K/mTOR inhibitor SAR245409 (also known as XL765) and class I PI3K inhibitor SAR245408 (also known as XL147), respectively.
As per the terms of the agreement, each party will be initially responsible for conducting a Phase I dose escalation study of these product candidates.
Sanofi-aventis will be granted a research and development license to MSC1936369B to assess safety and initial clinical activity in combination with its PI3K inhibitor SAR245408.
In conjunction, Merck Serono will be granted a research and development license to SAR245409 in order to assess safety and initial clinical activity in combination with its MEK inhibitor MSC1936369B.
Sanofi-aventis Global Oncology head and senior vice president Debasish Roychowdhury said that this collaboration reinforces their commitment to maximize their portfolio and to provide better treatments for patients with cancer.