>>ALAMEDA, Calif., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Xenogen Corporation (Nasdaq: XGEN - News) announced today a five-year global licensing deal with Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK - News), a significant extension of an existing relationship between the two companies.
Under the expanded licensing agreement, Merck will purchase five of Xenogen's biophotonic imaging systems (IVIS® Imaging System 200 Series) and the accompanying software (Living Image Software®) for use in oncology research and development at its global research sites in the United States, Canada, Japan and Italy. In addition to purchasing the IVIS imaging systems, Merck will pay an annual license fee for use of Xenogen's patented software and methods for in vivo imaging. Merck has previously worked with Xenogen Corporation in biophotonic imaging and with Xenogen's wholly owned subsidiary, Xenogen Biosciences, on transgenic animal models.
Xenogen's technologies enable researchers to visualize and track biological processes in living animals, non-invasively and in real time, including analysis of gene function, the spread of disease and the effects of a drug candidate throughout the system. The result is more accurate, predictable data that can improve the success rate of pre-clinical drug development, saving both time and money.
"We are extremely pleased that Merck has extended its investment in and use of our technology at its worldwide research and development sites," said Pamela R. Contag, Ph.D., president of Xenogen Corporation. "As one of the most respected pharmaceutical companies in the world, Merck's use of Xenogen's proprietary biophotonic technology is an indication of the value it places on this technology and on the ongoing relationship with Xenogen."<<
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