Sunesis Pharmaceuticals entered into multi-year research collaboration with Merck & Co. for the discovery of oral therapeutics for the treatment of Alzheimer’ disease. The target of the collaboration is beta-amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme (BACE), an enzyme involved in amyloid plaque deposition. The deal provides Sunesis with upfront fees and research funding along with milestone payments and royalties based on sales target. Merck & Co. could receive an exclusive worldwide licence to any products resulting from the collaboration.