Merck Sharpe and Dohme agrees new Alzheimer’s collaboration

Merck Sharpe and Dohme is to collaborate with Alectos Therapeutics on the development of new treatment options for Alzheimer's disease sufferers.

The partnership is to focus on researching compounds which target and modulate O-linked N-acetylglucosaminidase, an enzyme which has been linked to the onset of Alzheimer's and other disorders.

Both companies will be responsible for discovery efforts and preclinical development, with Merck Sharpe and Dohme gaining exclusive commercialisation rights to any treatments arising from the research.

Alectos has received an upfront payment from its new partner and is eligible to receive a potential total of $289 million (184.7 million pounds) based on the progress of the research.

Dr Darryle Schoepp, senior vice-president and franchise head of neuroscience at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "We are pleased that this collaboration represents a truly innovative and promising new therapeutic approach in the Alzheimer's disease field."

Earlier this week, Merck Sharpe and Dohme published new research data on its Rotateq rotavirus vaccine, highlighting its positive impact in developing nations.