Merck, Nicholas Piramal to Develop New Oncology Drugs

Merck and Nicholas Piramal entered an agreement to develop two oncology drugs.

Nicholas Piramal, an India-based company, will be responsible for the drug discovery program through preclinical candidate selection up through human clinical trials. Merck will advance candidates to late-stage clinical trials and commercialize them. 

Nicholas Piramal will receive milestone payments of up to $175 million per development target, as well as royalties on sales of any products resulting from the agreement. Merck said the collaboration is part of its strategy to advance its pipeline through global alliances.