Merck inks pact with Dr Falk Pharma for certain development, commercialization rights to MK 8690

Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Published On 2025-11-10 05:45 GMT | Update On 2025-11-10 05:45 GMT

Rahway: Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has announced that the company, through a subsidiary Prometheus BioSciences, has reached an agreement with Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH to discontinue an existing contract concerning co-development and co-commercialization rights in certain territories for MK-8690 (formerly PRA-052), and for Merck to assume full responsibility for the development program going forward.

MK-8690 is an investigational anti-CD30 ligand monoclonal antibody being evaluated by Merck in an early-stage clinical trial.

Under the terms of the agreement, Prometheus BioSciences and Falk have discontinued their collaboration based on their existing co-development contract resulting in Prometheus having secured global rights to MK-8690. In exchange, Falk will receive a $150 million upfront payment and is eligible to receive a payment associated with a development milestone as well as royalties on sales in certain territories. The original contract between Falk and Prometheus was signed in 2020. Merck subsequently acquired Prometheus in 2023.

As a result of the transaction with Falk, Merck will record a pre-tax charge to research and development expenses of $150 million, or approximately $0.05 per share, in both its GAAP and non-GAAP fourth quarter results.

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Merck inks pact with Dr Falk Pharma for certain development, commercialization rights to MK 8690

Similar News

USFDA concludes inspection at Marksans Pharma Goa facility with zero Form 483 observation

Biocon gets 2 USFDA observations for Visakhapatnam facility

Mankind Pharma net profit declines 21 percent to Rs 520 crore in Q2

Health Ministry Revises BA/BE Study Rules: Minimum Sample Size Set at 18

JnJ bags USFDA approval for Caplyta for major depressive disorder

Merck enters into RnD funding agreement with Blackstone Life Sciences for Sacituzumab Tirumotecan

Zenvision Pharma Gets CDSCO Panel Nod to Conduct BE Study on Rifaximin Sachets