I just read the article posted that started this thread and I'm not so sure now especially since this years 10-k doesn't mention it. I don't know if Ligand would be entitled to some royalties if the compound being advanced isn't the Schering one. Here is the link to the collaboration page the 2/9/9 PR is the only one that mentions the program. http://www.ligand.com/merck
Anyway its not in my value proposition for LGND. I think they results are several years away (3-4 minimum) and thats only for a Phase 2 trial.