Cenix and Merck Sign Framework Agreement for RNAi-Based Drug Discovery
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Cenix BioScience GmbH and Merck KGaA have announced that they have signed a framework research agreement securing Cenix services to enhance and accelerate Merck target discovery and validation efforts in oncology, with an option to expand in several human disease programs.
Cenix will apply its expertise combining high throughput, genome-scale screening applications of RNAi with high content phenotypic analyses in cultured human cells to discover and validate therapeutic targets, using assays co-designed with Merck scientists.
By yielding direct and predictive insights into the cellular functions and loss-of-function phenotypes of analyzed genes, this RNAi-based approach will enable Merck to select targets for driving their drug development programs.
"As this project represents a very careful and well-thought-out design process, we are delighted to undertake it with Merck," noted Dr. Christophe Echeverri, CEO/CSO of Cenix BioScience.
"We look forward to vindicating the recognition and trust shown by our Merck colleagues in allowing Cenix to provide them with the most advanced and mature technology, infrastructure and expertise for performing efficient and fast HT-RNAi-based drug discovery."
