Merck KGaA partnered with RNA-focused biotech Skyhawk Therapeutics in a collaboration potentially worth up to $2 billion targeting neurological diseases. Skyhawk will leverage its SkySTAR platform for RNA splicing modulation to identify small molecule candidates directed at neurological RNA targets. Merck KGaA, aiming to expand RNA modulation technologies in difficult-to-drug neurological conditions, is positioned to advance discovery towards clinical trials with options for development and commercialization. Skyhawk maintains multiple partnerships with major pharma including U.S. Merck & Co. and continues to develop its internal pipeline with candidates for Huntington's disease and other indications. This alliance reflects growing industry confidence in RNA splicing as a frontier in drug discovery for complex neurological disorders.