Merck, BigHat BioSciences Collaborate on Drug Discovery Programs

Merck, known as MSD outside of the US and Canada, and BigHat BioSciences, a biotechnology company specializing in machine learning (ML)-guided antibody discovery and development, have established a research collaboration in which Merck will use BigHat’s Milliner platform to design candidates for up to three drug discovery programs.

The Milliner platform combines high-speed characterization with ML capabilities to engineer antibodies with more complex functions and better biophysical properties. The goal of this approach is to reduce the difficulty of optimizing antibodies and other therapeutics.

“We are excited to begin this collaboration to advance next-generation antibody therapeutics to patients,” says Elizabeth Schwarzbach, BigHeat’s chief business officer. "This agreement with Merck brings us a major step closer to our goal of three to five deep collaborations with leading biopharmas to complement our internal therapeutic pipeline."

Read more about the partnership here.