Irish pharmaceutical firm Allergan has signed an agreement with Merck to acquire the exclusive worldwide rights of its investigational small molecule oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists for around $250m.

The deal provides Allergan rights to two CGRP receptor antagonists, including MK-1602 and MK-8031, which are being developed to treat and prevent migraines.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

MK-1602 is an oral small molecule antagonist for the acute treatment of migraines. A Phase II study of MK-1602 was completed, with end of Phase II discussions with FDA planned before starting Phase III.

"The agreement helps position Allergan as a potential leader in the acute treatment of migraine and prevention of migraine for millions of patients."

MK-8031 is an oral small molecule antagonist for the prevention of migraines and Phase II study of the antagonist is expected to start in 2016.

Allergan global brands research and development executive vice-president David Nicholson said: "The agreement to acquire exclusive worldwide rights to Merck’s CGRP migraine development programme builds on our existing strength in neurosciences and helps position Allergan as a potential leader in the acute treatment of migraine and prevention of migraine for millions of patients."

Merck will receive potential development and commercial milestone payments and tiered double-digit royalties based on commercialisation of the CGRP programmes.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Allergan will take responsibility for the development of CGRP programmes, in addition to the manufacturing and commercialisation upon approval and launch of the products.

Merck Research Laboratories business development and licencing senior vice-president Iain Dukes said: "We are pleased that this agreement will enable Allergan to advance these promising molecules for the potential benefit of migraine sufferers, and that Merck will be able to continue to further focus our research and development resources on our priority therapeutic areas."

Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Awarded the 2025 Pharmaceutical Technology Excellence Award for Business Expansion in Integrated Manufacturing, Upperton Pharma Solutions is rapidly expanding its UK GMP and sterile manufacturing footprint. Find out how Upperton’s integrated CDMO model helps pharma companies move from early development to clinical and niche commercial supply with fewer handovers and faster timelines.

Discover the Impact