Abide Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company pioneering innovative approaches to selectively target a group of enzymes known as serine hydrolases, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Merck, to discover, develop and commercialize small-molecule therapies directed against three novel targets to treat metabolic diseases with a focus on type 2 diabetes.

"This collaboration leverages Abide's unique and innovative therapeutic engine," said Alan Ezekowitz, MBChB, D.Phil., president and CEO of Abide Therapeutics. "We are eager to validate unique targets that we hope will lead to the development of novel therapeutics that will benefit patients with diabetes and metabolic diseases." 

Abide Therapeutics is eligible to receive an upfront payment, research funding, and potential milestone payments for up to $430 million for three products. Further details of the financial terms were not disclosed. Merck will have worldwide commercialization rights to any products that may be developed as a result of the collaboration. Abide Therapeutics is entitled to receive royalty payments on global sales from any such products.

"Diabetes and related disorders continue to represent a significant global, unmet medical need," said Nancy Thornberry, senior vice president and franchise head of diabetes and metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories. "We look forward to working with Abide on the discovery and development of important new medicines."