MSD has acquired full rights to MK-8690 from Dr. Falk Pharma, discontinuing their collaboration for a payment of $150 million while aiming to enhance its therapeutic pipeline.

Target Information

Merck & Co., Inc., operating under the tradename MSD, has announced a significant strategic move via its subsidiary, Prometheus BioSciences. The company has entered into an agreement with Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH to terminate the existing co-development and co-commercialization contract for the investigational monoclonal antibody MK-8690 (previously known as PRA-052). As a result of this agreement, MSD will assume complete responsibility for the ongoing development of MK-8690, which is currently undergoing early-stage clinical trials.

This decision to discontinue the collaboration allows Prometheus BioSciences to secure global rights to MK-8690, enhancing MSD's pipeline of innovative therapeutic solutions. In return, Dr. Falk Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $150 million along with potential future payments tied to development milestones and royalties from sales in designated territories.

Industry Overview

The pharmaceutical industry in the United States is characterized by continuous innovation and stringent regulations. With significant investments in research and development, companies are striving to bring fo

View Source

Similar Deals

Darling Ingredients Inc. Tessenderlo Group

2026

Joint Venture Pharmaceuticals (NEC) Belgium
Demant KIND

2026

Other Medical Equipment, Supplies & Distribution (NEC) Germany
Leica Microsystems ATTO-TEC

2025

Buyout Biotechnology & Medical Research (NEC) Germany
Vorwerk Ventures Carelane

2025

Seed Stage Biotechnology & Medical Research (NEC) Germany
Cinven SYNLAB AG

2025

Buyout Medical & Diagnostic Laboratories Germany

MSD (Merck & Co., Inc.)

invested in

Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH

in 2025

in a Joint Venture deal

Disclosed details

Transaction Size: $150M

Deal Parameters
Industry
Country
Seller type

Sign Up to Dealert