Bristol-Myers inks deal with PsiOxus, takes them out of the running for VLA.
These armed 2nd generation viruses have theoretical advantages, but until the human data confirms, who knows?
Given that VLA's Yervoy data seemed very good on the surface, and that Yervoy is a Bristol-Myers drug, I am at a loss to explain this deal. BMY only gives $50M up front, but over $800M in milestones on top of royalties. They could have just bought VLA for $500M US in total instead, no royalties and no phase I and II development costs and risks....and get Cavatak that is ready for Phase III.
Obviously they didn't love the Yervoy+Cavatak data set.
Perhaps they feel it is a given that Merck has the inside track to get Cavatak, and that may be possible.
Maybe this pushes Merck to do something with VLA, OR does it give them the luxury to take their time now that BMY has committed to another virus.
Only time will tell.
