Skyhawk Therapeutics Enters into Collaboration with Merck to Develop RNA-Targeting Small Molecules for Neurological Disorders
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Skyhawk Therapeutics has entered into a strategic research collaboration with Merck.
Neurological disorders are medical conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. They can disturb how the body functions, including movement, speech, memory, and behaviour. Common examples include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and migraine. These conditions may be caused by genetics, infections, injuries, or ageing. Many neurological disorders remain difficult to treat, and there is a high need for new therapies to improve patients’ quality of life.
The partnership is focused on developing novel RNA-targeting small molecules for neurological conditions with significant unmet medical need.
Through the agreement, Skyhawk will apply its SkySTAR® (Skyhawk Small molecule Therapeutics for Alternative splicing of RNA) platform to identify small molecule candidates aimed at specific RNA targets selected by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
Skyhawk will oversee discovery and preclinical development, while Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany will take responsibility for further development and commercialisation once it exercises its option. The overall value of the deal is estimated at more than US$2 billion.
Skyhawk will also be eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties on commercial sales.
The collaboration seeks to expand the role of RNA modulation in disease areas where conventional approaches have faced limitations.
Source: skyhawktx.com
