In yet another move in the protein degradation space, Merck KGaA has signed a strategic discovery research collaboration with C4 Therapeutics focused on two targeted protein degraders against critical oncogenic proteins. C4 will receive US$16 M upfront as well as up to US$740 M in milestone payments to leverage its TORPEDO (Target Oriented Protein Degrader Optimiser) technology platform. The deal marks yet another collaboration focused on protein degradation by Merck, as it has already formed similar partnerships with companies such as Celeris Therapeutics, Amphista Therapeutics and Proxygen.