Merck KGaA and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals S.A (Switzerland), a wholly owned subsidiary of Glenmark, have entered into an agreement for Glenmark's DPPIV inhibitor GRC 8200, a treatment for type 2 diabetes in phase II of clinical development. The transaction is expected to close this year upon approval of the exclusive license to GRC 8200 by the US antitrust agencies under the HSR Act.

Under the agreement, Merck KGaA will develop, register and commercialise GRC 8200 for markets in North America, Europe and Japan, while Glenmark will retain commercialisation rights for India. The partners will share commercialisation rights for other markets in the remainder of the world. Merck KGaA will bear the cost of all ongoing studies and will be responsible for planning, managing and sponsoring all development activities in the future.

The value of all payments to Glenmark could total up to EUR 190 million, including a EUR 25 million up-front payment and various milestone payments upon successful development and launch of mono-therapy and combination products based on GRC 8200. Upon commercial launch, Glenmark will supply the active ingredient to Merck and will receive royalties on net sales of the product.