August 11, 2010 - Collaboration Targets a Potential Non-Amyloid Approach to Treating Alzheimer’s Disease – Alectos Therapeutics Inc. announced a research collaboration with Merck, headquartered in Whitehouse Station, N.J., to identify and develop compounds that modulate O linked N-acetylglucosaminidase (O-GlcNAcase) an enzyme that is believed to be involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and potentially other disorders. The agreement provides Merck with a worldwide, exclusive license to research, develop and commercialize compounds that modulate this target.Under the terms of the agreement, Merck has paid Alectos an upfront payment and will fund research to include study of Alectos’ existing portfolio of compounds targeting Alzheimer’s disease. Alectos is eligible to receive a total of US $289 million in an upfront fee, research, development and regulatory milestones and tiered royalty payments on sales of any products resulting from this collaboration.
Alectos and Merck will collaborate on discovery efforts and preclinical development. Merck is responsible for clinical development and will have worldwide marketing and commercialization rights to any resulting products... [PDF] Alectos Therapeutics' Press Release -
