Background
Under the SEEDS program (Scientific Engagement and Emerging Discovery Science) Merck’s Discovery Biologics looks to fund research projects on the below subject areas. You might be aware we already have a Master Agreement with Vanderbilt for SEEDS and have funded projects in the past. The SEEDS program is a great opportunity to advance the frontiers of protein sciences and biologics, and to foster long-term partnerships between Merck and Vanderbilt. For 2025, the SEEDS program is inviting proposals from Stanford, UC Berkeley, UCSF, UCSD, UCLA and Boston University only. Merck has funded over 50 projects at these universities since the program started in 2020. Below are this year's RFP for your reference.
Discovery Biologics Domains of Strategic Intent RFP’s
- Engineered antibody frameworks/constructs
- multi-specifics (geometry, avidity, robustness of assembly)
- reusable design modules or mutations (e.g., cell/tissue/organ targeting)
- cellular barrier translocation or penetration (including oral bio availability/blood brain barrier/intracellular delivery)
- half-life extension, effector function modulation; diversity of hits/starting points.
- Protein expression technologies
- vectors, cell lines, in-vitro transcription and translation
- incorporation of non-natural amino acids: platforms and technologies to reach the top candidates faster and better.
- Platforms for antibody screening utilizing miniaturization, microfluidics, multiplexing readouts – High throughput measurements to select antibody winners and rapidly eliminate hits with poor properties.
- Antibody in silico design/prediction – Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning; advanced physics or structure-based methods to predict properties for leads with drug development characteristics.
- Protein engineering approaches for conditionally activated biologic therapeutics.
- Bioconjugate strategies addressing acquired resistance, treatment-related adverse effects including non-cytotoxic payloads.
For more information, contact Swapneeta Date, Assistant Director of Life Sciences Collaborations, at swapneeta.date@vanderbilt.edu.
Please note: Faculty and researchers interested in applying for these opportunities based on technologies developed or disclosed at Vanderbilt must submit their proposals through the CTTC.