BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cerveau Technologies, Inc. today announced the execution of a binding term sheet with Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group for investigational imaging agent (MK-6240) being evaluated for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans to image neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. NFTs made up of aggregated tau protein are a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
This term sheet outlines an agreement between the parties to license MK-6240 to Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group for use and development in the People’s Republic of China in return for license fees, milestone payments and royalties.
“Cerveau is committed to building a network of collaborators and partners internationally to support adoption of neurologically focused imaging biomarkers,” said Rick Hiatt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cerveau Technologies, Inc. “We are excited by the opportunity to work with Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group and the global pharmaceutical industry in providing access to this novel imaging agent to the broader scientific community.”
“The licensing of MK-6240 is a key step for Sinotau in achieving its goal of bringing novel radiopharmaceutical diagnostics that have a positive impact in quality of care and patient outcomes in China,” said Xu Xinsheng, President and CEO, Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group. “By developing MK-6240 we aim to equip clinicians in China with the tools they need to meet the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions and minimize the impact they have in our communities.”
About MK-6240
In early studies published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Merck scientists reported that [18F]MK-6240 has a high specificity and selectivity for neurofibrillary tangles with favorable physicochemical properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics that warranted clinical investigation as a potential PET neuroimaging agent. Merck and Cerveau are currently conducting an open-label Phase 1 study to investigate the safety and characterize the use of [18F]MK-6240 as a PET imaging agent for quantifying brain burden of neurofibrillary tangle pathology.
About Cerveau Technologies, Inc.
Cerveau Technologies, Inc. is a partnership between Enigma Biomedical Group, Inc. and Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group. Cerveau's vision is to globally develop diagnostics and technology that positively impact patients with neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.
About Sinotau Pharmceutical Group
Sinotau is a vertically integrated pharmaceutical group with a focus on both generic and patented therapies as well as diagnostic agents. Sinotau is focused on becoming a leading player in the Chinese market with integrated domestic and international resources for R&D, marketing and distribution of innovative pharmaceuticals focused on diagnosis and treatment.
