NEUROMED PHARMACEUTICALS AND MERCK & CO., INC. ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT FOR NOVEL N-TYPE CALCIUM CHANNEL COMPOUNDS

Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Merck & Co., Inc. announced today that they have signed a research collaboration and license agreement to research, develop and commercialize novel compounds for the treatment of pain and other neurological disorders, including Neuromed's lead compound, NMED-160, which is currently in Phase II development for the treatment of pain. Under the terms of the agreement, Neuromed grants Merck an exclusive worldwide license to research, develop and commercialize NMED-160 and other compounds that selectively target the N-type calcium channel.

CNW Group (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2006/20/c3792.html)