Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Design and synthesis of acyclic or carbocyclic organic compounds that selectively modulate specific biological targets or pathways for the treatment of diseases.

Design and engineering of proteins or peptides to directly modulate immune responses, including enhancing antigen presentation, suppressing inflammation, or activating specific immune cell types.

Development of small molecules, often bifunctional (e.g., PROTACs) or molecular glues, that induce the ubiquitin-proteasome system or autophagy to selectively degrade specific disease-causing proteins.

Therapeutic interventions that target immune checkpoint pathways to either enhance or suppress immune responses, often used in cancer immunotherapy or autoimmune diseases.

Design and modification of antibodies or antibody-derived fragments for targeted therapeutic intervention, including bispecific formats, Fc region modifications, and activatable constructs.

Therapeutic strategies employing nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides) to modulate gene expression, deliver genetic material, or interfere with disease-causing pathways. Includes gene therapy using viral vectors.

Development of therapeutic approaches involving the genetic modification of cells (e.g., T cells, stem cells, macrophages) or the use of viral/non-viral vectors to deliver genetic material for disease treatment.

Methods and compositions for identifying, quantifying, or characterizing specific biological molecules (e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, antibodies) or microbial species, often for diagnostic, prognostic, or quality control applications.

Development of lipid-based nanoparticles, liposomes, or other molecular platforms to encapsulate and deliver therapeutic agents, particularly nucleic acids, to target tissues or improve pharmacokinetics.

Delivery systems specifically engineered to administer advanced drug formulations (e.g., microparticles, biologics, extended-release systems) to achieve precise targeting, controlled release kinetics, or enhanced therapeutic efficacy within the body.

Therapeutic approaches involving the use of living cells, often genetically modified or ex vivo activated, to treat diseases, particularly cancer, by modulating immune responses or replacing damaged cells.

Methods and systems for the efficient and scalable production, purification, and formulation of proteins and peptides, including fermentation, chromatography, and cell-based expression systems.

Methods and intermediates for preparing complex organic molecules intended as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), often involving multi-step synthesis and optimization of reaction pathways.

Development and application of therapeutic proteins or peptides produced through recombinant DNA technology, including fusion proteins and modified growth factors.

Devices and adapters that enable the sterile and secure transfer of liquids, such as medications or diluents, between containers (vials, syringes, IV bags) while minimizing exposure to contaminants or air.

Devices or systems designed to precisely measure and deliver specific doses of medication, often incorporating automated mechanisms, dose-limiting features, or hands-free operation.

Mechanical or electromechanical systems designed for precise, often self-administered, delivery of medicaments, including features for dose setting, needle insertion/retraction, and safety mechanisms to prevent premature activation.

Processes and methodologies for the efficient and scalable preparation of complex heterocyclic compounds and their precursors, including specific reaction conditions, purification techniques, and intermediate compounds.

Modification of protein or peptide sequences, structures, or post-translational modifications (e.g., glycosylation, lipidation) to enhance their stability, solubility, delivery, or therapeutic efficacy.

Techniques for preparing and characterizing specific solid forms, such as crystal forms, salts, co-crystals, or amorphous forms, of active pharmaceutical ingredients to optimize properties like stability, solubility, and bioavailability.

Developing advanced bioreactor designs, fermentation strategies, and downstream processing techniques to optimize yield, purity, and efficiency of biotechnological production.

Compounds, often featuring metal chelators or specific labeling moieties, designed for use in medical imaging techniques like Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or for radionuclide therapy, enabling diagnostic visualization or targeted radiation treatment.

Identifying novel enzymes or modifying existing enzymes through mutagenesis and directed evolution to improve catalytic activity, substrate specificity, or stability for industrial biotransformations.

Modifying microorganisms, plant cells, or animal cells through genetic engineering to enhance or enable the biosynthesis of target compounds, often involving metabolic pathway engineering.

Devices that assist in the physical modification or mixing of medications prior to administration, such as crushing solid drugs, cutting pills, reconstituting lyophilized products, or extracting from other devices.

Development and use of engineered biological systems, such as organ-on-a-chip devices, dynamic hydrogels, or genetically modified cells, to mimic physiological conditions, study disease mechanisms, screen compounds, or develop cell-based therapies.