HitGen, a Chengdu hit identification/lead generation CRO, announced a collaboration with Merck/MSD, which will discover novel chemical leads for multiple targets designated by Merck. Using its core technology platform, HitGen will screen its large library (over ten billion novel small molecules) for candidates. Leads will be licensed exclusively to Merck. HitGen will receive an upfront payment and be eligible for milestone payments. One month ago, HitGen signed a similar deal with the Cancer Research UK for lung cancer targets.
