On Apr. 27, 2020, Merck and the Institute for Systems Biology announced a new research collaboration to investigate and define the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 and identify targets for medicines and vaccines.

Merck also entered into an agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to provide funding support for this research effort. Findings from the study will be made available to the worldwide scientific community.