Bionomics strikes research deal with Merck Drug developer Bionomics has struck a research deal with global pharmaceutical firm Merck that may yield up to $US172 million ($A190.67 million) for Bionomics. Under the licensing deal, Bionomics will use its technology to discover and develop small molecules that may be used in the treatment of chronic pain. Merck has the option to exclusively license from Bionomics a new compound for development and commercialisation. "In return, Bionomics may receive option exercise fees and development and regulatory milestone payments of up to US$172 million," Bionomics said in a statement on Wednesday. Bionomics could also receive royalties on sales of products from the collaboration. The research program will initially run for two years. Shares in Bionomics were five cents higher at 50.5 cents at 1156 AEST.