Auxogyn has signed an exclusive license agreement with Merck Serono, the biopharmaceutical division of Merck, for Auxogyn’s proprietary Early Embryo Viability Assessment (Eeva) test.
Under the terms of the agreement, Merck Serono will obtain exclusive rights to commercialize the Eeva test in Europe and Canada, with the option to extend to selected countries and regions.
This agreement reflects Merck Serono’s and Auxogyn’s commitment to bringing new technologies to the IVF community designed to help improve patient outcomes.
Eeva test is a non-invasive test designed to improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes by providing quantitative and objective information on the early stages of the embryo’s development.
Earlier in 2012, Merck Serono and Auxogyn announced a strategic partnership on the Eeva test.
Auxogyn president and CEO Lissa Goldenstein said the company is excited to further expand its relationship with Merck Serono.
"With this licensing agreement, Merck’s established commercial expertise will accelerate the availability of the Eeva Test in key international markets and Auxogyn’s innovative test will continue to provide in vitro fertilization clinicians with valuable information that may improve patient outcomes," Goldenstein added.
"Most importantly, working together increases our collective ability to enhance outcomes and the chances of having a baby."
Auxogyn received the CE mark for the Eeva System in 2012, and it is currently available for use in certain countries in the European Union and Canada.
In the US, where Auxogyn retains commercialization rights, Auxogyn has filed a submission with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is currently under review by the agency.
Merck Serono executive vice president, global business development and strategy Dr Susan Herbert said, "This agreement is strong validation for our strategy with MS Ventures to invest at an early stage in companies that develop next generation technologies and products that may improve patient outcomes in therapeutic fields that are relevant to Merck Serono."