Merck Sharpe and Dohme launches Calibr research organisation

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has announced the launch of the California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to innovative medical research.

The new independent organisation has been established with support from academic scientists and biotechnology entrepreneurs and will aim to accelerate the translation of basic biomedical research into new therapies.

Funding of up to $90 million (57.26 million pounds) will be provided by Merck Sharpe and Dohme over a seven-year period, in exchange for an option to obtain an exclusive license to any proteins or small molecule candidates developed by Calibr.

Dr Peter Kim, president of Merck Research Laboratories and member of the Calibr scientific advisory board, said: "Calibr will provide an important venue where basic research and drug discovery scientists may leverage each others' strengths in the fight against disease."