Merck and Samsung Bioepis agree diabetes deal

Pharmaceutical company Merck and Samsung Bioepis, a joint venture between South Korean firm Samsung and Biogen, have agreed to work on a diabetes treatment.

The firms will develop, manufacture and commercialise MK-1293, an insulin glargine candidate for treating patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Phase III clinical studies in type 1 and type 2 diabetes will begin soon.

“We look forward to collaborating with Samsung Bioepis on this insulin glargine candidate, as diabetes is a top priority for the company,” said Matt Strasburger, senior vice president, diabetes, global human health at Merck.

“Merck is strengthening its leadership in diabetes through our own work and in collaboration with others, and this agreement will help build our portfolio across the spectrum of the disease,” he added.

Christopher Hansung Ko, chief executive of Samsung Bioepis, said: “Samsung Bioepis is very pleased to extend the partnership with Merck to the field of diabetes. This collaboration will bring better access to patients with diabetes worldwide.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will collaborate on clinical development, regulatory filings and manufacturing. If approved, Merck will commercialise the candidate.

The collaboration builds on an agreement made by the two companies in February 2013 to develop and commercialise multiple biosimilar candidates.