Aurora, Merck Partner to Investigate Gene Function

SAN DIEGO--Aurora Biosciences has formed two new functional genomics collaborations with Merck in which Aurora will apply its GenomeScreen technology to investigate cell signaling pathways and gene function for selected Merck therapeutic programs. Aurora said GenomeScreen enables gene discovery, target identification, and signal pathway elucidation. Aurora will receive an upfront payment from Merck, possible additional research support fees, and certain provisions for revenues in the event that drugs developed through the collaboration are commercialized. Merck will receive a license to use in basic research and drug discovery the data and materials resulting from the deal.