BG Medicine, Merck collaborate in development of novel biomarker for lipid disorder management

BG Medicine, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration with Merck, through a subsidiary, for the development and validation of a novel biomarker with potential application in the management of lipid disorders. BG Medicine will pursue development and validation of an immunoassay and investigate its clinical utility as a biomarker. If successful, BG Medicine plans to complete the development and validation studies and seek regulatory clearance for the test.

“This project holds the potential to improve the management of a common disorder that plays an important role in the risk for heart attack and stroke, two of the most deadly medical conditions of our time”

Under the agreement, Merck has granted BG Medicine a semi-exclusive license to certain Merck intellectual property and technologies for use and development of a candidate in vitro diagnostic test in exchange for certain testing services, data sharing, and other considerations. BG Medicine is eligible for certain payments upon achievement of established milestones.

“This project holds the potential to improve the management of a common disorder that plays an important role in the risk for heart attack and stroke, two of the most deadly medical conditions of our time,” said Pieter Muntendam, MD, President and CEO of BG Medicine.