Array BioPharma collaborating with Merck on clinical tests

BOULDER — Array BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRY) is partnering with Merck to collaborate on a clinical trial.

The tests will examine the safety and efficacy of one of Array’s drugs, binimetinib, along with Merck’s therapy Keytruda. The studies will be done with colorectal cancer patients who have stable tumors.

The basis of the partnership is research that shows that the therapy provided by Keytruda, called anti-PD-1 therapy and which is associated with the immune system, can be enhanced with a drug such as binimetinib, which is an MEK inhibitor. Essentially, binimetinib is a drug that limits mitrogen-activated protein kinase kinase enzymes, which can be overactive in cancers. MEK inhibitors can treat cancers.

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Under terms of the agreement, Array and Merck will collaborate on a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of combining their two drugs. The study is expected to begin in the second half of 2017.

“Array is excited to announce this partnership with Merck, an established leader in the field of immuno-oncology,” Ron Squarer, CEO of Array, said in a statement. “Given the synergistic activity we have seen with our MEK inhibitor when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy in preclinical models, and based on emerging clinical data, we are optimistic that this combination holds great potential for cancer patients.”