Under the agreement, Envoy will use its proprietary bacTRAP technology to identify proteins expressed specifically in certain cell types. Merck will then work to identify and develop compounds that modulate protein targets with therapeutic potential for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Merck will pay Envoy an upfront fee and research funding. In addition, Envoy is eligible to receive payments upon achievement of certain milestones associated with development of drug candidates and royalties on any products derived from the collaboration.
Brad Margus, co-founder and chief executive officer of Envoy, said: “Obesity and diabetes have become epidemics with horrific mortality rates and devastating social stigmas. We’re thrilled that our technology will be applied towards discovering drug candidates for the growing millions of patients that suffer from these conditions.”
Nancy Thornberry, senior vice president and franchise head of diabetes and obesity at Merck Research Laboratories, said: “Partnering with companies developing innovative drug discovery technologies like Envoy is an essential part of our diabetes and obesity portfolio discovery strategy.”