Synaptic deal

Synaptic signed a licensing agreement with Merck & Co. covering a series of small-molecule compounds to treat the urinary retention problems associated with enlarged prostate. Merck received worldwide marketing and manufacturing rights and will pay Synaptic up to $20 million, including an undisclosed up front licensing fee, milestones and R&D funding.

Synaptic said that it has cloned the six alpha adrenergic neuroreceptors, confirming that blocking one of them causes the smooth muscles of the prostate to relax, thereby relieving the pressure an enlarged prostate places on the urethra. ...