Merck KGaA Strikes $2 Billion Neurology RNA Deal With Skyhawk

Merck KGaA has entered a collaboration with Skyhawk Therapeutics that could be worth in excess of $2 billion to develop small-molecule drugs that modulate RNA splicing for neurological disorders. Skyhawk will use its SkySTAR platform to identify candidates against RNA targets selected by Merck, leading discovery and pre-clinical work before handing projects over for later-stage development and commercialisation. Under the agreement, the Waltham, Massachusetts-based biotech is eligible for research funding, milestone payments and tiered royalties on future sales. The partners did not disclose specific disease targets but said they will focus on neurological conditions with significant unmet need. The deal extends Skyhawk’s run of large-ticket alliances, which includes previous multibillion-dollar pacts with Ipsen, Vertex and Merck & Co. For Merck KGaA, the transaction adds to a recent $3.9 billion acquisition of SpringWorks Therapeutics and supports the German company’s strategy of strengthening its neuroscience pipeline.