SUMITOMO SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH MERCK

Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals and Merck & Co., today announced that they have signed an agreement to collaborate on SM13496 (lurasidone), an atypical antipsychotic compound currently in Phase II development for the treatment of schizophrenia, one of the most chronic and disabling of the severe mental illnesses. Under the agreement, Sumitomo has granted Merck, through an affiliate, an exclusive license for SM13496 in all parts of the world except for Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan.

PharmaLive (http://www.medadnews.com/News/index.cfm?articleid=253738)