US pharmaceutical company Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the US and Canada, said on Thursday that it has signed a multi-year deal with AI research organisation the Vector Institute in Toronto, Canada.

Through this collaboration, Merck Canada aims to leverage Vector's AI expertise to drive healthcare innovation.

Access to Vector's network will enable Merck Canada to engage with AI researchers, engineers and startups, facilitating knowledge exchange and talent acquisition.

"Together, we will explore the potential of AI to transform the way we address healthcare challenges and deliver impactful solutions that benefit patients in Canada and beyond," said Marwan Akar, Merck Canada's managing director.