Daiichi Sankyo and Merck Expand Cancer Therapy Partnership with MK-6070

In addition to three experimental DXd antibody-drug conjugates, Daiichi Sankyo and Merck have expanded their worldwide co-development and co-commercialization agreement to include Merck's MK-6070, an investigational delta-like ligand 3 (DLL3) targeting T-cell engager. The firms, with the exception of Japan, where Merck will retain exclusive rights, will work together to develop and market MK-6070 globally. MK-6070 specifically targets DLL3, an inhibitory classical Notch ligand that is highly expressed in neuroendocrine tumours and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The firms intend to assess MK-6070 in specific SCLC patients in conjunction with ifinatamab deruxtecan (I-DXd). Merck acquired Harpoon Therapeutics, which allowed them to purchase MK-6070.

The development of the oncology pipeline is in line with Daiichi Sankyo's objective to raise the bar for cancer patient care globally. The acquisition of MK-6070 shows their shared dedication to developing novel treatments for patients and offers potential synergies with Merck's well-established antibody-drug conjugate partnership, particularly ifinatamab deruxtecan.