Merck, Chimerix sign license agreement for CMX157 to treat HIV infection

Chimerix, Inc. today announced the execution of a license agreement granting Merck, known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, exclusive worldwide rights to CMX157, Chimerix's novel lipid acyclic nucleoside phosphonate currently being evaluated to treat HIV infection.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck receives an exclusive worldwide license and will be responsible for development and commercialization of CMX157, an investigational oral nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI).  Chimerix will receive a $17.5 million upfront payment and will be eligible to receive up to $151 million in milestones, as well as royalties on future sales.

"This agreement is a significant milestone in Chimerix's mission of developing best-in-class therapies for major unmet medical needs based on our lipid technology platform," said Kenneth I. Moch, President and CEO of Chimerix.  "Merck is the ideal collaborator to develop this drug and help us to maximize the potential of CMX157, given its commitment to its HIV franchise.  The value created through the licensure of CMX157 will help us continue to advance our lead compound, CMX001, through its critical Phase 3 trial, for which we currently plan to begin enrolling patients early next year."             

"Merck is committed to bringing forward new treatment options for patients with HIV/AIDs," said Daria Hazuda, Vice President and Worldwide Discovery Head for Infectious Diseases, Merck Research Laboratories.  "We look forward to working closely with Chimerix to advance development of this NRTI candidate."

SOURCE Chimerix, Inc.