Cerecor licenses second CNS asset from Merck

Cerecor acquired worldwide, exclusive rights to develop and commercialize the Merck & Co compound MK-0657 (now CERC-301) – a small molecule NMDA receptor subunit 2 (NR2B) antagonist – in all indications, including depression. It is the first oral drug in the well-populated class of drugs targeting the NMDA receptor and the first oral rapid-acting antidepressant.