Newron, Merck Serono to broaden scope of drug collaboration

Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA will develop two of Merck KGaA’s neurological compounds, broadening the companies’ collaboration. Bresso, Italy-based Newron now holds the rights to develop pruvanserin and sarizotan, two drugs that act on neurotransmitters in the brain, the companies said in a statement today.

Darmstadt, Germany-based Merck has the right to reclaim the drugs, with Newron keeping a co-development option, the companies said. No further details were given. Merck and Newron are already collaborating on the experimental Parkinson’s drug safinamide.