Merus N.V. and Halozyme Therapeutics have entered into a global, non-exclusive collaboration and license agreement to develop and potentially commercialize a subcutaneous formulation of petosemtamab, Merus’s EGFR x LGR5 bispecific antibody currently in clinical development for multiple solid tumors.
Merus will use Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology, which enables rapid subcutaneous administration of biologics traditionally given intravenously. The partnership aims to improve treatment convenience, reduce infusion times, and enhance the overall patient experience, particularly for those with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/m HNSCC), where petosemtamab has shown promising clinical activity.
“Petosemtamab continues to show encouraging results across numerous solid tumor cancers and has the potential to become a first- and best-in-class treatment in head and neck cancer and beyond,” said Peter Silverman, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of Merus. “We are proud to collaborate with Halozyme on advancing a subcutaneous version.”
Halozyme CEO Dr. Helen Torley said the agreement reflects a new opportunity to broaden the use of ENHANZE® technology. “Together, we aim to accelerate innovation for patients and healthcare providers,” she noted.
Under the agreement, Merus will provide Halozyme with an upfront payment and may issue future milestone payments tied to commercial and sales achievements. Halozyme is also eligible to receive low- to mid-single-digit royalties on net sales of petosemtamab formulated with ENHANZE®, should it reach the market.
The collaboration highlights growing industry momentum toward subcutaneous delivery formats, which can offer patients greater flexibility and reduce the burden on infusion centers.