Merz North America, Inc. signed an agreement with Brickell Biotech, Inc. granting Merz an exclusive North American license with certain additional international rights to develop and commercialize, a completely novel retinoid compound for the treatment of skin conditions responsive to retinoid agents. Under the terms of the agreement, Merz North America will assume the full cost and responsibility for future development and commercialization, initially for North America. The specific terms of the agreement, including upfront and milestone payments, remain confidential.

 “As Merz North America continues to expand its presence in the U.S. medical dermatology space, we are excited to continue the clinical development of this new chemical entity (NCE) via our own in-house research and development expertise,” said Bill Humphries, president & CEO of Merz North America. “By pursuing a targeted, long-term growth strategy, we will continue to provide physicians and their patients with new treatment options that set the standard for quality and innovation in medical and aesthetic dermatology.”

In preclinical studies performed by Brickell, this novel, patent-protected retinoid therapy displayed activity that differentiated it from the leading topical retinoids currently available on the market. In medical dermatology, topical retinoids are typically indicated for treatment of acne and/or psoriasis and are available on the market as monotherapy or combination therapy.

“We are pleased to be strengthening Merz's leadership in medical dermatology through targeted development projects such as this licensing agreement with Brickell,” said Greg Besase, Vice President and Head – US Dermatology for Merz North America. “Merz is proud to affirm its continued commitment to the dermatology space, and we look forward to providing physicians and their patients with a novel treatment option for skin conditions known to be responsive to retinoid therapy.”

According to the company, over the course of the past year, Merz North America has made significant investments in the future of its medical dermatology business. In addition to closing on a number of business development deals, (both announced and non-disclosed), Merz also expanded its dermatology product portfolio with the launch a Naftin (naftifine HCl) Gel, 2% for the treatment of interdigital-type tinea pedis caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum in patients 18 years of age and older.