Bristol-Myers Squibb has entered into a strategic partnership with Singapore-based ASLAN Pharmaceuticals for the licensing and development of one of its investigational oncology compounds.

Under the agreement, ASLAN has the rights to develop and commercialise BMS-777607, a small molecule inhibitor of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase for treatment of solid tumours, in China, Australia, Korea, Taiwan and other selected Asian countries. BMS will retain rights for the rest of the world.

ASLAN will also complete and fund the development of the compound under a pre-agreed programme that will initially target gastric and lung cancers.

Francis Cuss, Senior Vice President, Research, BMS, says the agreement is part of the company’s “Oyster strategy” which aims to produce “high-quality data that may be used to further develop and commercialise the medicine worldwide”.

“As part of our biopharma strategy, Bristol-Myers Squibb seeks to seed companies in key markets with promising investigational medicines of continued interest to Bristol-Myers Squibb,” he said.

Merck KGaA has signed two separate agreements for the collaboration of its Merck Serono division with Japanese-based Ono Pharmaceutical to strengthen its multiple sclerosis and cancer franchises.

The first agreement will see Merck get the worldwide exclusive license rights for the development and commercialisation of ONO-4641 outside of Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

The second license agreement will provide Ono with co-development and co-marketing rights of Stimuvax in Japan.

Stefan Oschmann, responsible for Merck Serono, says its new partner brings a “wealth of experience in developing innovative therapies” and an understanding of Japanese regulatory requirements.

ONO-4641 is a novel oral compound currently in Phase II for the potential treatment of multiple sclerosis. Stimuvax is an investigational therapeutic cancer immunotherapy that is in development in Phase III for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer.

Under the terms of the agreements, Merck will pay an initial 1.5 billon Japanese Yen – around €14 million – for the exclusive right for ONO-4641. Ono may also receive achievement-based payments of certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones.

As part of the agreement for Stimuvax, Ono will receive an additional upfront payment of €5 million.