Merck Serono and Compugen to collaborate

Merck Sorono has announced a collaboration with Compugen, with relation to a novel peptide, CGEN-855.

The Compugen-discovered short polymers are used to target the FPRL1 G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR), with the potential to treat inflammatory diseases.

The agreement will cover additional research and provides Merck Serono with an option to exclusively license the novel peptide for development and commercialisation around the world.

Compugen chief executive officer Alex Kotzer said the company was “very proud” to collaborate, as part of the organisation’s wider advancement of its product candidates.

He went on to say: “We are also pleased to be the first Israeli biotech company that has signed an agreement with Merck Serono under the Global Enterprise Partnership program of the chief scientist of Israel.”

CGEN-855 was revealed using Compugen’s GPCR Peptide Ligands Discovery Platform and was one of the company’s ten validated drug and diagnostic platforms.

Earlier this month, Merck Serono held a cornerstone ceremony at its site in Corsier-sur-Vevey, marking the expansion of its biotech centre.

The 300 million euros (251 million pounds) invested by the company is set to create 200 jobs and will allow for the manufacturing of biologic compounds for the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs.