Protiva Biotherapeutics Inc. today reported that it has granted Merck & Co., Inc. a non-exclusive license to Protiva's SNALP (Stable Nucleic Acid-Lipid Particles) technology for ongoing research and development of therapeutics in the emerging field of RNA interference (RNAi).

U.S. drug giant Merck said Friday it has acquired Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. in a cash transaction. Merck said the deal closed in the fourth quarter of 2006. The deal is reportedly valued at $1.1 billion.

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. announced that Sirna shareholders approved the acquisition of Sirna by Merck & Co., Inc. at a special meeting today.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) and Sirna Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNAI) announced today that the federal regulatory antitrust waiting period expired for Merck & Co.'s approximately $1.1 billion acquisition of Sirna Therapeutics. On Oct.

By Stephen Heuser, The Boston Globe Nov. 6--It's the classic biotechnology story. One day, you're a Kendall Square start-up with no products and an unproven idea.