DGAP-Adhoc

Merck KGaA: Merck Announces Global Strategic Alliance with Pfizer on Anti-PD-L1 to Accelerate Presence in Immuno-Oncology

Merck KGaA / Key word(s): Alliance

17.11.2014 08:48

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Merck Announces Global Strategic Alliance with Pfizer on Anti-PD-L1 to
Accelerate Presence in Immuno-Oncology

Merck has entered into a global agreement with Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) to
co-develop and co-commercialize MSB0010718C, an investigational anti-PD-L1
antibody currently in development by Merck as a potential treatment for
multiple tumor types to accelerate the two companies' presence in
immuno-oncology.

The asset will be developed as a single agent as well as in various
combinations with Pfizer's and Merck's broad portfolio of approved and
investigational pipeline candidates. The two companies will also combine
resources and expertise to advance Pfizer's anti-PD-1 antibody into Phase 1
trials. As part of the agreement, Merck will co-promote Pfizer's XALKORI, a
medicine to treat non-small cell lung cancer, in the United States and
several other key markets. Therefore, the alliance will accelerate Merck's
entry into the US oncology market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Merck will receive an upfront payment of
$ 850 million (approx. EUR 680 million) and is eligible to receive
regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $ 2.0 billion. Both
companies will jointly fund all development and commercialization costs and
all revenues obtained from selling any anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-1 products
generated from this collaboration will be shared.

Certain statements made herein may be deemed to be solicitation materials
in respect of the proposed acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich by Merck KGaA,
Darmstadt, Germany. The proposed acquisition will be submitted to the
stockholders of Sigma-Aldrich for their consideration on December 5, 2014.
In connection therewith, on November 3, 2014, Sigma-Aldrich filed a
definitive proxy statement with the SECand began mailing the definitive
proxy statement to its stockholders of record as of the close of business
on October 29, 2014. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR ANY INVESTMENT DECISION,
INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT
REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED
OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY
BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE
PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and stockholders may obtain free copies of
the proxy statement, any amendments or supplements thereto and other