By Jason Derry —

Merck to Buy Biologics Division from Insmed

Insmed Inc. and Merck have announced a deal in which Merck will purchase Insmed's research and production division and facility for developing follow-on biologics for $130 million (see Insmed press release).  Merck will receive Insmed's follow-on biologics platform, and its development and production facility located in Boulder, CO.  Insmed's pipeline of follow-on biologics includes biosimilar versions of Amgen's Neupogen and Neulasta.  Merck is obtaining development and commercial rights for these follow-on biologic candidates.

GSK Licenses HIV Drug Candidate

GlaxoSmithKline and Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. have announced that GSK has licensed worldwide rights to Idenix's non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, IDX899, for treating HIV/AIDS (see Idenix press release).  The compound is currently in Phase II clinical development.  GSK will be responsible for continuing development.  Idenix will receive $34 million upfront, and may receive additional milestone payments of up to $416 million plus royalties.

Jason Derry, Ph.D., who graduated with honors from DePaul University College of Law, is a molecular biologist and founding author of Patent Docs.