Data generated in the course of the collaboration have altered the risk-benefit profile within the intended indications.

Merck will return all rights according to the licensing and collaboration agreement that was entered between the two parties in February 2023. Aqilion will ensure that all data and materials will be transferred to the company and will thereafter do an internal analysis of the options to further develop the program, either within the inflammation area or in other therapeutic fields. In the short term, Aqilion will prioritize and focus its resources on the existing pipeline programs, outside of the TAK1 program, it states.

“The license- and collaboration agreement with Merck validated our business strategy of generating highly qualitative and innovative discovery projects. It is unfortunate, but not unusual in this early phase of drug development to reveal challenging aspects of novel mechanisms. We will now prioritize resources on the existing pipeline programs, outside of the TAK1 program,” says Sarah Fredriksson, CEO of Aqilion.

During the joint development work, data has been generated that showed increased challenges of developing a drug with the right risk-benefit profile in the intended indications, and with regards to existing strategic prioritizations.

Photo of Sarah Fredriksson, CEO of Aqilion