Merck KGaA and Mantro Launch US-based Alternative Protein Company

Merck KGaA, a leading pharmaceutical and chemical group, has formed a US-based alternative protein company with Mantro. The company will focus on developing sustainable protein sources for the food industry. Merck KGaA's net sales are primarily generated from research solutions, pharmaceutical products, and performance materials for the electronics industry, with a significant presence in Germany, Switzerland, Europe, the US, China, and Asia/Pacific.

Skyhawk Therapeutics, Inc. and Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, have entered into a strategic research collaboration aimed at discovering novel RNA-targeting small molecules for neurological disorders. The agreement, announced on August 18, 2025, will focus on leveraging Skyhawk's proprietary SkySTAR® platform to identify small molecule candidates directed at specific RNA targets designated by Merck KGaA.

Under the terms of the agreement, Skyhawk will lead discovery and preclinical development efforts, while Merck KGaA will assume responsibility for further development and commercialization upon option exercise. The overall deal is valued at over $2 billion, with Skyhawk being eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties on commercial sales.

The collaboration aligns with Merck KGaA's strategic focus on innovative science and next-generation technologies, particularly in the field of RNA splicing modulation. Amy Kao, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Neuroscience & Immunology Research Unit at Merck KGaA, stated, "Our collaboration with Skyhawk positions us to expand the potential of RNA modulation in diseases where traditional approaches have proven challenging."

Bill Haney, Chief Executive Officer of Skyhawk Therapeutics, expressed pride in the partnership, noting, "This collaboration underscores the power of our SkySTAR® platform to address challenging disease biology through precise RNA targeting."

Skyhawk Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapies designed to modulate critical RNA targets. The company's expertise is rooted in its proprietary drug discovery platform, which assesses, identifies, and tests RNA splicing targets and small molecules across a broad range of therapeutic areas and disease states.

This collaboration is part of Merck KGaA's broader strategy to advance transformative science and bring more medicines to more patients, faster. The company's net sales are primarily generated from research solutions, pharmaceutical products, and performance materials for the electronics industry, with a significant presence in Germany, Switzerland, Europe, the US, China, and Asia/Pacific.

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[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/skyhawk-therapeutics-announces-strategic-collaboration-with-merck-kgaa-darmstadt-germany-to-discover-novel-rna-targeting-small-molecules-for-neurological-disorders-302531254.html