Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:
MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada (“Merck”), and Pfizer Inc.
(NYSE:PFE) today announced that they have entered into a worldwide (except Japan)
collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of Pfizer’s ertugliflozin
(PF-04971729), an investigational oral sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitor being
evaluated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Ertugliflozin is Phase III ready, with trials
expected to begin later in 2013.
“We are pleased to join forces with Merck in the battle against type 2 diabetes and the
burden that it poses on global health,” said John Young, president and general manager, Pfizer
Primary Care. “Through this collaboration, we believe we can build on Merck’s leadership
position in diabetes care with the introduction of ertugliflozin, an innovative SGLT2 inhibitor
discovered by Pfizer scientists.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, and Pfizer will
collaborate on the clinical development and commercialization of ertugliflozin and ertugliflozincontaining fixed-dose combinations with metformin and JANUVIA®
(sitagliptin) tablets. Merck
will continue to retain the rights to its existing portfolio of sitagliptin-containing products. Pfizer
has received an upfront payment and milestones of $60 million and will be eligible for additional
payments associated with the achievement of pre-specified future clinical, regulatory and
commercial milestones. Merck and Pfizer will share potential revenues and certain costs on a
60/40 percent basis.-2-
“Merck continues to build upon our leadership position in the oral treatment of type
2 diabetes through our own research and business development,” said Nancy Thornberry,
senior vice president and Diabetes and Endocrinology franchise head, Merck Research
Laboratories. “We believe ertugliflozin has the potential to complement our strong portfolio of
investigational and marketed products, and we look forward to collaborating with Pfizer on its
development.”
About JANUVIA®
(sitagliptin) tablets
JANUVIA is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in
adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of
diabetic ketoacidosis.
JANUVIA has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. It is unknown
whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk of developing pancreatitis
while taking JANUVIA.
