Merck and Samsung to co-develop diabetes drugs

MERCK (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and Samsung Bioepis said they have expanded their collaboration with an agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize MK-1293, an insulin glargine candidate for the treatment of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Phase III clinical studies in type 1 and type 2 diabetes will begin soon.

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

“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, MSD. “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.”

Samsung Bioepis, a joint venture between Samsung Biologics and Biogen Idec, aims to develop affordable and high-quality biopharmaceutical and biosimilar products.

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

This collaboration builds on the agreement made by the two companies in February 2013 to develop and commercialize multiple biosimilar candidates.