Germany’s major life science company, Merck KGaA (ETR: MRK), has announced the completion of the second phase of its new EUR 29 million (USD 32 million) Biologics Testing Center in China. This expansion adds 1,500 square meters to the lab, which initially opened its doors last year. Marking the first biosafety laboratories for Merck in the Chinese market, this move enables local clients to access a comprehensive range of testing services for cell line characterization and lot release, from pre-clinical development to commercialization.
Enhanced Capabilities with the Second Phase of Investment
The first phase of investment equipped the center with services for viral clearance studies, a pivotal step in drug development. The second phase introduces additional capabilities for cell line characterization, supporting biopharma customers in ensuring the safety, purity, and identity of their cell banks. The center also provides cGMP-compliant lot release testing for unprocessed and purified bulk harvest, aligning with requirements for biologics entering preclinical and clinical studies, as well as for licensed biologics. With the completion of phase two, Merck now extends its offerings to include a broad range of biosafety testing services for monoclonal antibodies, other recombinant proteins, and cell and gene therapies.- Flcube.com
