Merck commits up to $289M for new Alzheimer’s collaboration

Undaunted by its mixed results trying to come up with a new therapy for Alzheimer's, Merck has struck a $289 million deal with Canada's Alectos Therapeutics to collaborate on new molecules for the memory-wasting ailment and other disorders. The pact includes an upfront payment and milestones, but there was no breakout on the payments. The collaboration will target that modulate O-linked N-acetylglucosaminidase, an enzyme that is believed to be involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease....