Merck & Co. has entered a multi-year strategic collaboration with Tempus AI to advance AI-driven precision medicine across multiple therapeutic areas. The agreement outlines joint research initiatives focused on discovering and validating biomarkers and mechanisms of drug resistance.

Under the deal, Merck will gain access to Tempus’s extensive de-identified multimodal data library and Lens Platform, which operates one of the industry’s largest GPU infrastructures. These assets enable high-throughput AI modeling and complex analyses in oncology and other disease areas.

The collaboration is designed to accelerate the identification of novel biomarkers for patient stratification and to inform clinical trial design in Merck’s oncology programs. Faster biomarker discovery could shorten development timelines and enhance targeting of new cancer therapies.

This partnership underscores Merck’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge AI technologies into its R&D processes, supplementing internal capabilities with external expertise. Initial activities will include detailed project planning and initiation of pilot biomarker studies within the first year.