SPOTLIGHT: Merck partners with Addex

Addex Pharmaceuticals' approach to receptor modulation has been validated in a new deal with Merck. The pharma giant will pay $3 million up front, and up to $170.5 million in fees and milestones, in a collaboration to develop new therapies for Parkinson's disease. Switzerland-based Addex has been working on new technology that can modulate a receptor, rather than just turn it on or off. The new approach can fine tune the impact of a drug, which in turn could increase efficacy and decrease side effects. Release