Merck enters research agreement with The University of Oxford and the Wellcome Trust; Unique Collaboration Targets Gene Identification and Treatment of Type I Diabetes

Business Wire, May 29, 1996

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., USA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- May 29, 1996-- Merck & Co., Inc., today announced a collaborative research and licensing agreement with The Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford for work to be completed at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics at the University of Oxford for the discovery of human genes associated with the development of Type I diabetes, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM). This agreement represents Merck's first major program with a third party in the area of genomics with the intention of identifying specific genes related to a disease state.

The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, established by The University of Oxford and the Wellcome Trust, is one of the worlds leaders in the identification of genetic markers that show a relationship between Type I diabetes and a physical location on a chromosome. Dr. John Todd, a Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellow and University scientist working at the Centre, has developed new genetic methods to further refine such loci to the point where DNA sequencing is practical, making possible the identification of genes in a specific region.

Dr. Todd also receives support on this project from the British Diabetes Association. Prior to his present appointment, Dr. Todd had occasionally consulted with Merck Research Laboratories.

This collaboration brings together Dr. Todds considerable progress on gene identification and his laboratorys skill in distinguishing gene alterations in patients with IDDM, and our ability to sequence the identified region, utilizing data from the Merck Gene Index, said Dr. C. Thomas Caskey, Senior Vice President of Basic Research, Merck Research Laboratories. "We will gain insight into the genetic basis of IDDM, and, most importantly, be able to target novel diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic approaches to this debilitating disease.

Currently, no precise methods exist to identify individuals at risk of IDDM, to prevent development of the disease, or to treat IDDM and its complications effectively long-term.

Diabetes is a major cause of disease worldwide. In the U.S., it is the fourth-leading cause of death, with 16 million people currently afflicted. Complications include blindness, kidney disorder, nerve damage, heart disease and stroke. IDDM accounts for 10 to 15 percent of all cases of diabetes. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce any insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. This Type I diabetes most often occurs in children and young adults, and those diagnosed receive daily insulin injections and regularly monitor their blood sugar levels.

The Wellcome Trust is a U.K. charity that supports research in biomedical science and the history of medicine by providing leading researchers with the resources required to pursue their subjects. Established in 1936 by the will of Sir Henry Wellcome, the Trust now spends more than $450 million annually on research. The Wellcome Trust was advised by CRC Technology, the technology transfer subsidiary of the Cancer Research Campaign in London.

Currently leading the field in British universities in attracting income to support its research activities, the University of Oxford succeeded in winning $150 million of research funding from external sources in academic year 1995-1996. The Universitys past and present successes in attracting such support underline the excellence of its research, which is particularly strong in the biomedical field.

The British Diabetes Association is a registered charity with 155,000 members and provides support and information to people living with diabetes. It is one of the leading supporters of diabetes research in the U.K.

Headquartered in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, USA, Merck & Co., Inc. is a worldwide, research-intensive company that discovers, develops, produces and markets human and animal health products. Its Medco unit is the leading pharmacy benefits management company. Merck expects to invest more than $1.5 billion in research in 1996.

CONTACT:

Merck & Co., Inc. The University of Oxford The Wellcome Trust

John Doorley Research Services Office Caroline Gardner

(908) 423-4081 (or) 011-44-1865-270143 (or) 011-44-171-611-8474

Eileen Undercoffler The University Press Office

(908) 423-7220 011-44-1865-278182