Merck KGaA, National MS Society distribute $1.3 million for early-stage drug research

NEW YORK — Three organizations will receive part of $1.3 million in funding that German drug maker Merck KGaA and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are distributing for MS research.

EMD Serono, the name the Merck KGaA uses in the United States to avoid confusion with U.S.-based Merck & Co., and the National MS Society said the money will help encourage early-stage drug discovery for the autoimmune disease.

The recipients of the funding are the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, which is receiving $285,000 over 18 months; the Emory University School of Medicine, receiving $471,333 over 21 months; and Euroscreen SA, receiving $501,657 over 12 months.