Merck to expand R&D presence in China

Merck KGaA has announced plans to strengthen its global R&D capabilities of its Merck Serono division by establishing a global R&D center in Beijing, China.

Merck is planning to invest more than E150 million 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 China R&D organization will become one of the key R&D hubs for Merck Serono worldwide.

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, said Merck.

Research activities conducted in the China R&D center will mainly focus on biomarker research including pharmacogenomics and bioanalytics activities.

Elmar Schnee, member of the executive board at Merck KGaA, said: "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. We are committed to investing in areas that can help China to address some of its public health needs that currently are not met."

http://www.datamonitor.com
Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means,
is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall 
not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions 
taken in reliance thereon

Related terms: academic, beijing, china, clinical, healthcare, local, research