Scynexis, Inc. has entered into a multi-year research collaboration with Merck & Co., Inc. to discover and develop novel anti-infective compounds.

Utilizing its proprietary Medchem-Factory technology, Scynexis will accelerate the identification of novel drugs against Merck's screening targets by producing large, highly targeted, high-purity compound libraries utilizing rapid lead optimization to develop novel candidates for clinical evaluation.

Merck will receive exclusive worldwide rights to products developed through the collaboration. Scynexis will receive milestone payments as products are developed and royalties on sales of commercialized products resulting from the collaboration. Other financial terms of the collaboration were not disclosed.

"Scynexis is very pleased to build upon its existing relationship with Merck. This collaboration is recognition of Scynexis' innovative technologies that will be directed toward the discovery and development of novel anti-infective compounds," said Dr. Yves J. Ribeill, president & CEO of Scynexis.