Astrazeneca and Merck Collaborate to Investigate Anticancer Regimen

AstraZeneca and Merck have announced a collaboration to research a combination anticancer regimen composed of two investigational compounds - MK-2206 from the latter and AZD6244 (ARRY-886*) from the former.

Preclinical evidence indicates that the combined administration of these compounds could enhance their anticancer properties.

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will work together to evaluate co-administration of the compounds in a Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of solid cancer tumors. All development costs will be shared jointly. Following the Phase I trial, the companies will consider opportunities for further clinical development.

Each candidate is designed to inhibit a protein known to be abnormally activated in human cancers. In preclinical studies, AZD6244 has been shown to affect MEK (Mitogen-activated protein kinase 1), a signal that promotes cancer cell growth and survival.

AZD6244 has completed Phase I evaluation, demonstrating proof of mechanism, and several Phase II monotherapy studies, which showed evidence of clinical activity. It is currently in Phase II clinical trials in a range of tumor types. Merck's MK-2206 has demonstrated an effect on AKT (a component of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase pathway), an important signal promoting cancer cell survival.