SCS believes neural stem cells have potential broad research applications. This includes their use in target identification or validation studies, as well as in small molecule library screening applications.
The cells and technology will be supplied by SCS from its newly opened facility in Cambridge, UK, where the group offers a range of services to the bio-pharmaceutical industry through its SC Services business unit.
In commenting on the agreement, David Dodd, chairman of SCS, said: “We’re very pleased to see our mouse neural stem cells being licensed by Merck and others throughout the pharmaceutical industry. Our strategy includes working with key partners to expand the widespread use of stem cells in drug discovery.”