Merck Outlicenses Two Preclinical TB Candidates To Bill & Melinda Gates Research Institute - Merck & Co (NYSE:MRK)

Merck & Co Inc MRK and the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) announced a licensing agreement for two preclinical antibacterial candidates for evaluation as potential components of combination regimens for tuberculosis (TB) treatment.
Merck scientists discovered these candidates as part of the TB Drug Accelerator (TBDA), a collaboration established among biopharmaceutical companies, research organizations and universities to accelerate the discovery and development of novel therapeutic candidates against TB.
Under the agreement, Merck has granted Gates MRI an exclusive global license for MK-7762 and MK-3854.
In furtherance of its charitable purpose, Gates MRI will conduct non-clinical and clinical studies to determine the candidates' potential for inclusion in new affordable combination treatment regimens for TB to shorten the duration of treatment irrespective of resistance to the currently available TB drugs.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of MK-7762 and MK-3854 have shown that both candidates have potent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Price Action: MRK shares are up 0.06% at $94.18 on the last check Tuesday.