GENEVA, November 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany,
announced today plans to strengthen its global research and development (R&D)
capabilities by establishing a global R&D center in Beijing, China. Merck
Serono is planning to invest more than 150 Million EUR and create more than
200 new qualified jobs over the next four years to set up the China R&D
center and conduct R&D activities in China.
"The creation of the China R&D center marks a new milestone in
Merck Serono's commitment to China, where there is a rising demand for more
healthcare options," said Elmar Schnee, President of Merck Serono. "We are
committed to investing in areas that can help China to address some of its
public health needs that currently are not met."
"China is a country with talented scientists and high-quality
research," added Bernhard Kirschbaum, Executive Vice President, Research and
Development for Merck Serono. "We will recruit more R&D talent in China and
build a world-class organization in China that will extend our global R&D
expertise and capabilities."
The China R&D organization will become one of the key R&D hubs
for Merck Serono worldwide. Key hubs so far are Germany, Switzerland and the
United States.
The China team will lead drug development for China and other
Asian countries, for local clinical trials as well as for the participation
in global clinical trials. The team also will ensure the management of
collaborations with research institutions in China and continue to look for
partnerships with local academic institutions and companies. Research
activities conducted in the China R&D center will mainly focus on biomarker
research including pharmacogenomics and bioanalytics activities.
Merck Serono already has some research collaborations in China
and plans to further develop its collaboration network and build its R&D
strategy on more innovation opportunities by tapping into the Chinese
scientific expertise.
Merck Serono China currently employs more than 1,000 persons
nationwide. Merck Serono China offers a portfolio of innovative medicines,
including the division's leading brands serving patients with cancer
(Erbitux(R)), multiple sclerosis (Rebif(R)), infertility (Gonal-f(R)),
endocrine and metabolic disorders (Saizen(R)), as well as cardiometabolic
diseases (Concor(R), Euthyrox(R)).
About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the division for innovative prescription
pharmaceuticals of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a global pharmaceutical
and chemical company. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono
discovers, develops, manufactures and markets innovative small molecules and
biopharmaceuticals to help patients with unmet medical needs. In the United
States and Canada, EMD Serono operates through separately incorporated
affiliates.
Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux(R),
cetuximab), multiple sclerosis (Rebif(R), interferon beta-1a), infertility
(Gonal-f(R), follitropin alpha), endocrine and metabolic disorders (Saizen(R)
and Serostim(R), somatropin), (Kuvan(R), sapropterin dihydrochloride) as well
as cardiometabolic diseases (Glucophage(R), metformin), (Concor(R),
bisoprolol), (Euthyrox(R), levothyroxine). Not all products are available in
all markets.
With an annual R&D expenditure of around EUR 1bn, Merck Serono
is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas
including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology,
as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in
autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with
total revenues of EUR 7.6 billion in 2008, a history that began in 1668, and
a future shaped by approximately 33,000 employees in 60 countries. Its
success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees.
Merck's operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which
the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders
own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co.
was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.
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