Mestag Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on fibroblast-immune interactions, has announced a significant collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.) to identify novel drug targets for therapies aimed at inflammatory diseases. This partnership will leverage Mestag’s proprietary Reversing Activated Fibroblast Technology (RAFT) platform, which is designed to model the pathogenic role of fibroblasts in human health and disease.
The agreement allows MSD to license one or more of the drug targets identified through this collaboration, with the responsibility for subsequent discovery, development, and commercialization of the resulting therapeutics resting with the pharmaceutical giant. Mestag’s RAFT platform provides a unique approach to understanding the complex interactions between fibroblasts and immune responses, offering potential breakthroughs in treating inflammatory conditions.
Dr Susan Hill, Chief Executive Officer of Mestag, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Mestag was founded on groundbreaking insights into fibroblast-immune biology, and as an early innovator in this area of research, we have built a robust pipeline of antibody programs and created a unique and productive target discovery platform. We are acutely aware of the significant unmet needs faced on a daily basis by patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. We are thrilled to collaborate with MSD, together driving continued innovation for the benefit of patients.”
Under the terms of the collaboration, Mestag will provide MSD with options for exclusive licenses to develop and commercialize therapeutics targeting a specified number of potential targets. In exchange, Mestag will receive an upfront payment and access fees, as well as eligibility for option fees and downstream payments that could total up to $1.9 billion, depending on the success of the targets developed.
Marc Levesque, Vice President of Immunology Discovery at MSD Research Laboratories, highlighted the potential of the partnership, stating, “The role of activated fibroblasts in directing immune activity offers exciting new therapeutic potential. We look forward to collaborating with the team at Mestag to identify new potential therapeutic options for patients with fibrosis and inflammatory diseases.”
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in Mestag’s mission to develop novel therapies for patients with inflammatory diseases, an area of considerable unmet medical need. By harnessing advanced insights into fibroblast biology, the partnership aims to accelerate the discovery of new treatment options that could improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life for those suffering from these conditions.
The partnership underscores the growing importance of targeted therapies in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, which can significantly impact patients’ health and well-being. With both companies committed to innovation and research excellence, the collaboration is expected to pave the way for new breakthroughs in the field of immunology.
As the partnership progresses, both Mestag and MSD will focus on identifying and developing new therapeutic options that leverage the unique insights provided by the RAFT platform, contributing to advancements in the understanding and treatment of inflammatory diseases. The collaboration not only represents a promising opportunity for both companies but also a hopeful prospect for patients in need of effective therapies. For further information please visit our website www.mestagtherapeutics.com
