Collaborations

Bayer HealthCare

In April 2009, we entered into a license agreement with Bayer HealthCare to develop and commercialize small-molecule mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.  Under the terms of the license agreement, we granted to Bayer a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize our MEK inhibitor product candidate, RDEA119, for all indications. RDEA119 is currently being evaluated both as a single agent and in combination with sorafenib (Nexavar^®; Bayer, Onyx Pharmaceuticals) in advanced cancer patients.  Bayer has agreed to pay us a non-refundable, upfront license fee of $35 million for the development and commercialization rights to our MEK inhibitor program.  Potential payments under the license agreement could total up to $407 million, not including royalties.  We will also be eligible to receive low double-digit royalties on worldwide sales of products under the license agreement.  

If you are interested in learning more about collaborating with Ardea Biosciences please contact our Business Development group at bd@ardeabio.com.