HitGen announced it has achieved a milestone in its discovery alliance with Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth NJ. The milestone was for the identification of candidates meeting pre-defined criteria, representing the 3rd discovery program between the two companies for which HitGen has achieved this milestone. This achievement entitles HitGen to receive an undisclosed payment per the research collaboration agreement between both companies announced March 14, 2017.
“To date we have initiated screening efforts on multiple Merck discovery programs from various therapeutic areas. These programs are at various stages of screening, selection, synthesis and validation and are all progressing. These achievements mark the continued progress and success of the discovery collaboration between the companies spanning a range of discovery programs. We look forward to announcing future milestones as the programs progress,” said Dr. Jin Li, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of HitGen.