Merck & Co. Inc.

Merck & Co. Inc. of Whitehouse Station, N.J., has entered into a research collaboration with Neuroptix Corp. of Acton, Mass. Under terms of the agreement, Merck will receive a license to purchase and use its partner’s laser eye scanning devices -- which have detected Alzheimer’s-related amyloid protein aggregates on mouse eye lenses -- in preclinical studies and during trial drug monitoring. In exchange, Neuroptix will receive an upfront payment, annual technology access fees, and continuing payments on instruments and services, and on the diagnostic agents used with the scanner.