…Merck & Co., Inc., has agreed to provide a royalty-free license to the non-profit International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) to develop a novel antiretroviral compound for use as a potential vaginal microbicide…“Merck deserves recognition for its exemplary commitment to HIV prevention research,” says Dr. Zeda Rosenberg, CEO of the International Partnership for Microbicides. “…We’re working toward the day when millions of women around the world will have access to safe and effective microbicides — and partnerships like this will help us get there”…[refers also to IPM partners Gilead Sciences, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Tibotec Pharmaceuticals (part of Johnson & Johnson)]