Common use of Extension Right Clause in Contracts

Extension Right. If, upon expiration of the Initial R&D Term, Merck (a) has not designated its fifth (5th) Elected Candidate in accordance with Section 2.10 and [***], Merck may, at its written election, extend the R&D Collaboration for [***] that will begin upon the expiration of the Initial R&D Term and end on the earlier to occur of (i) the fourth anniversary of the Effective Date and (ii) the date on which Merck designates its fifth (5th) Elected Candidate hereunder (the “R&D Extension Term”, and together with the Initial R&D Term, the “R&D Term”). Merck may exercise such right by providing written notice to Moderna at [***] prior to the expiration of the Initial R&D Term and, subject to [***], the R&D Extension Term will automatically go into effect. Absent further agreement of the Parties but subject to Section 2.8(c) for an applicable R&D Program, the maximum duration of the R&D Term is four (4) years, and all R&D Programs will terminate upon expiration of the R&D Term.