IRBM extends Merck & Co deal

The contract research organization (CRO) IRBM has signed a new agreement with Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) to continue their collaboration in the peptide therapeutics area.

In recent years, significant advances have been made in peptide discovery through the well-established phage and mRNA display platforms, and with major progress achieved for half-life extension strategies and the use of formulation enhancers to support oral route administration.

"IRBM’s first-class scientific expertise in peptide design and synthesis combined with Merck’s exceptional drug development capabilities"