Its new drug, an inhibitor of the enzyme cathepsin K, showed promising results in a mid-stage trial earlier this year.

FORBES: Magazine Article

To be specific, Merck (MRK) will test a beta-amyloid precursor protein site-cleaving enzyme, or BACE, inhibitor, which the drugmaker notes is the first drug with this type of mechanism to advance to this stage of clinical research.

FORBES: Merck Makes A 'Speculative' Step Into Alzheimer's

Recent examples: molecules to target drug-resistant bacteria and a kinase inhibitor to zap the enzyme responsible for tumor growth.

FORBES: Careers