Merck & Co. has licensed global rights to Bayer HealthCare spin-off AiCuris’ portfolio of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-targeting drug candidates in a deal worth up to €442.5 M (US$573 M). The HCMV portfolio includes AiCuris’ lead product letermovir (AIC246), which met its primary efficacy end-points in a Phase IIb trial in bone marrow transplant patients. The licensed products will complement Merck’s existing antiviral franchise, which includes Isentress® (raltegravir) and Victrelis® (boceprevir) for HIV and hepatitis C, respectively.