By Jason Derry —

Merck & Co., Inc. has begun
the process of moving a compound discovered in an effort with partner Isis
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. toward clinical trials.  The compound was discovered as part of a
collaborative agreement between Merck and Isis, in which Merck relied on Isis'
familiarity with technology relating to nucleic acid therapeutics.  Isis Pharmaceuticals focuses on RNA as a
therapeutic target, and has commercialized one antisense drug.  According to the agreement, Isis now receives
$1 million as a milestone payment from Merck, since a compound has moved toward
clinical development.  The press release did not provide
specifics about the compound.

Jason Derry, Ph.D., who graduated with honors from DePaul University
College of Law, is a molecular biologist and founding author of Patent Docs.