Burned by Alzheimer’s failures, a cautious Merck turns to a startup biotech for some preclinical neuro programs
After playing a leading role in proving that the BACE theory was worthless in treating Alzheimer’s, Merck is going back to the drawing board for new ideas on the neurosciences. And in the spirit of its renewed focus on discovery, the pharma giant is turning to a biotech startup called Yumanity Therapeutics for some fresh, preclinical ideas.
The crux of the deal they announced today focuses on the rights to two of Yumanity’s pipeline programs for ALS and frontotemporal lobar dementia. After working on the preclinical programs together, Merck will have the right to continue on into development with a shot at commercialization — if they can get that far.
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