Neuroptix Corporation and Merck & Co., Inc. have established a research collaboration wherein Merck will evaluate Neuroptix's diagnostic technology in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease and clinical trial monitoring of potential new Alzheimer's drugs.

Neuroptix will provide Merck with access to its Neuroptix QEL laser eye-scanning device, which in preclinical studies in mice, has detected Alzheimer's-related amyloid protein aggregates in the lens of the eye. The amyloid protein aggregates are a surrogate biomarker of beta amyloid in the brain.

Under the agreement, Neuroptix will receive an upfront payment, annual technology access fees and payments based on the achievement of development milestones. Neuroptix will also receive payments for instruments, diagnostic agents, and services. Merck receives a non-exclusive license to use Neuroptix's technology for preclinical and clinical research purposes.

"We are pleased to be collaborating with Neuroptix in this potentially groundbreaking work on Alzheimer's diagnostics," said Merv Turner, Ph.D., senior vice president of Worldwide Licensing and External Research at Merck. "We are hopeful that the activities under the agreement will demonstrate the potential of this novel, non-invasive technology for measuring beta amyloid, a biomarker of Alzheimer's disease."

"Merck is a leader in the development of novel treatments for unmet medical needs, which makes it an ideal partner to help create predictive diagnostic protocols that fully explore the potential of Neuroptix's technology," said Paul Hartung, president and CEO of Neuroptix. "Our goal is to help bring the QEL system closer to becoming a fast, inexpensive and reliable screening test for Alzheimer's that can be easily administered in a general practitioner's office, with accurate results. We look forward to working with Merck to make progress toward achieving that goal."