Ardea Biosciences (RDEA) has nabbed $35M upfront from Bayer for its MEK inhibitors. RDEA’s lead compound is RDEA119, a small molecule mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor currently in a Phase 1 single agent study in advanced cancer patients as well as a Phase 1/2 study in combination with sorafenib (Nexavar).

Under the agreement, Bayer gets a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize the company’s MEK inhibitors for all indications. The deal is valued at $407M, not including royalties, and includes development, regulatory and commercial milestones.

RDEA will pay for the completion of the ongoing Phase 1 and Phase 1/2 studies after which Bayer will be responsible for development and commercialization of RDEA119 and any of RDEA’s other MEK inhibitors.

RDEA CEO Barry Quart said this about the agreement with Bayer:

“RDEA119 has demonstrated compelling synergistic activity in vitro in combination with sorafenib, as well as other approved anti-cancer agents, and we look forward to working with Bayer as a globally successful company in the field of targeted anti-cancer therapies to evaluate multiple drug combinations in several cancer indications.”

Congrats.

Image from cambridgesoft

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