Merck & Co in new accord with Bionomics for CNS research

24 June 2014

Australian biotech firm Bionomics (ASX: BNO) has entered into a second exclusive research collaboration and license agreement with US pharma giant Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK), this time for its BNC375 research program targeting cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other central nervous system conditions.

Last year, the companies signed a deal to discover and develop novel small-molecule candidates for the treatment of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain, worth a potential $172 million to the Australian firm.

$20 million up front plus possible $506 million in milestones

Under the new accord, Merck will fund all R&D, including clinical development, and will be responsible for worldwide commercialization of any products from the collaboration. Bionomics will receive upfront payments totalling $20 million and is eligible to receive up to $506 million for achievement of certain research and clinical development milestones and undisclosed royalties on any product sales.

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