Merck Partners with Bionomics on Alzheimer's Research

June 24, 2014

Merck & Co. has agreed to collaborate with Australia's Bionomics to develop new compounds for Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders of the central nervous system. The deal could net Bionomics up to $526 million. The companies agreed to a research deal whereby Bionomics licensed its BNC375 program to Merck. Merck agreed to fund all research and development, including clinical development, as well as oversee worldwide commercialization of any products.

BNC375 is designed to work by targeting a receptor that is critical to thought processes. Modulators of the "Alpha 7" receptor, for example, may improve memory and reduce brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s, according to Bionomics. Read the full story