Curve Therapeutics and Merck & Co. have entered into a global research collaboration and licensing agreement to discover and develop small molecule drug candidates for up to five oncology and neurology targets. The deal will leverage Curve’s proprietary Microcycle® platform technology. Under the agreement, Curve will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and will be eligible to receive up to US$1.7 B inresearch, development and commercial milestone payments as well as royalties from future sales. The collaboration marks a major milestone for the biotech company and provides early validation of its gene-encoded platform.