Merck Enters Two Strategic Collaborations to Strengthen AI-driven Drug Discovery

Partnerships with BenevolentAI and Exscientia to drive accelerated drug discovery with higher probability of success

20-Sep-2023
Computer-generated image

Symbolic image

Merck announced two new strategic drug discovery collaborations aimed at harnessing powerful artificial intelligence (AI)-driven design and discovery capabilities, further advancing the company’s research efforts. The partnerships, with BenevolentAI, London, U.K., and Exscientia, Oxford, U.K., are expected to generate several novel clinical development drug candidates with first-in-class and best-in-class potential in key therapeutic areas of oncology, neurology and immunology.

“With the convergence of science, data, and AI, we're determined to fast-track the development of new and truly innovative candidates, forging a path to previously unimaginable medical breakthroughs”, said Danny Bar-Zohar, Global Head of Research & Development and Chief Medical Officer for the Healthcare business sector of Merck. “The partnerships with industry-leading AI technology firms BenevolentAI and Exscientia will complement our internal research capabilities and expertise, aligning with our broader strategy to enhance R&D productivity and the output of our pipeline in a sustainable manner.”

Under the terms of the agreements, three potential first-in-class and best-in-class targets have been selected to initiate each partnership with the possibility of identifying and nominating additional targets in the future. The collaborative efforts are focused on advancing small molecule development candidates which Merck will select for further pre-clinical and clinical development. Both partners will each receive low double digit million US dollar upfront payments and will be eligible for discovery, development, regulatory and commercial milestone payments and tiered royalties based on net sales.

Merck systematically explores data science and AI approaches to accelerate the discovery and delivery of breakthrough medicines. Integrating AI across R&D processes from identifying targets to clinical trials and product lifecycle management, is aimed at transforming drug discovery and development, bringing new medicines to patients faster and with higher probability of success. As the field evolves Merck will continue to deepen its existing AI and advanced analytics expertise while expanding partnerships and collaborations, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of innovation.

Other news from the department business & finance

Most read news

More news from our other portals

Something is happening in the life science industry ...

This is what true pioneering spirit looks like: Plenty of innovative start-ups are bringing fresh ideas, lifeblood and entrepreneurial spirit to change tomorrow's world for the better. Immerse yourself in the world of these young companies and take the opportunity to get in touch with the founders.

Last viewed contents

Whatman™ folded filter papers | Filter papers | Cytiva

Whatman™ folded filter papers | Filter papers | Cytiva

Start-up aims to harness the natural powers of cancer survivors to cure this life-threatening disease - Cure51 raises a €15 million seed round

Start-up aims to harness the natural powers of cancer survivors to cure this life-threatening disease - Cure51 raises a €15 million seed round

“And the Science Awards go to…” - Bayer Foundation announces Science Awards winners of 2024

“And the Science Awards go to…” - Bayer Foundation announces Science Awards winners of 2024

Supervisory Board of Bayer AG extends contract of CEO Bill Anderson - Far-reaching transformation advancing, delivering first signs of success

Supervisory Board of Bayer AG extends contract of CEO Bill Anderson - Far-reaching transformation advancing, delivering first signs of success

VTU Group appoints Liam O'Neil as new CEO

VTU Group appoints Liam O'Neil as new CEO

Dr. Wolf-Henning Walther becomes new CEO at Metrohm Germany - Change in the Executive Board from September 1, 2025

Dr. Wolf-Henning Walther becomes new CEO at Metrohm Germany - Change in the Executive Board from September 1, 2025

Merck Appoints David Weinreich as New Global Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer for Healthcare Business Sector

Merck Appoints David Weinreich as New Global Head of R&D and Chief Medical Officer for Healthcare Business Sector

Pioneers of epigenetics receive the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize 2026 - The prizewinners' discovery shook the foundations of classical genetics and opened the door to the vast field of modern epigenetics

Pioneers of epigenetics receive the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize 2026 - The prizewinners' discovery shook the foundations of classical genetics and opened the door to the vast field of modern epigenetics

Melina Schuh honored with Science Breakthrough 2025 - “It has always been my dream to make the entire ovulation process visible”

Melina Schuh honored with Science Breakthrough 2025 - “It has always been my dream to make the entire ovulation process visible”

Kai Beckmann to Succeed Belén Garijo as Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck as of May 2026

Kai Beckmann to Succeed Belén Garijo as Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck as of May 2026

Change of managing directors at 5-HT Chemistry & Health - Innovation partner for companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries under new management

Change of managing directors at 5-HT Chemistry & Health - Innovation partner for companies in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries under new management

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG - Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG - Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany