Merck Sharpe and Dohme agrees biomarker collaboration with BGI

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced a new collaboration with the major genomics centre BGI on the development of biomarkers and genomic technologies.

The new alliance will see scientists from both organisations working together to identify and characterise new biomarkers, with an emphasis on drug discovery, drug development and diagnostics applications across a range of therapeutic fields.

Both Merck and BGI will be able to propose new projects for the joint collaboration, while resources, expertise, samples and other research material will be jointly provided as needed.

This announcement follows on from the signing of a statement of intent in September 2010 to explore areas of healthcare research that are of mutual interest to the companies.

Dr Jeffrey Chodakewitz, vice-president for late-stage development at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "This strategic collaboration combines BGI's genomic sequencing and analytic capabilities with Merck's expertise and experience in drug development."

In July 2011, Merck Sharpe and Dohme announced a new alliance with Roche, which will see the companies jointly promoting a combination hepatitis C regimen.