Here’s Why Merck-Orion Collaboration Is Important Drug manufacturing behemoth Merck Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) has agreed to work jointly with Orion Corporation on ODM-208, a non-steroidal inhibitor developed by Orion. This inhibitor, if successful, could play an important role in the treatment of prostate cancer (a common type of cancer found in males) and add to the growth prospects of both companies. Orion is a pharmaceutical company based in Finland. It has expertise in providing drugs for animals and humans. Likewise, Merck is well-renowned for its human and veterinary drugs and healthcare solutions. Shares of this $238.5-billion company closed at $93.60 on Tuesday.