Merck Serono to invest €150m in China R&D

Merck Serono has revealed plans to invest more than €150m and create over 200 qualified jobs over the next four years through establishing a global research and development centre in Beijing, China. Merck Serono China currently has over 1,000 employees nationwide.

The company expects the China R&D organisation to sit alongside its hubs in Germany, Switzerland and the US as key worldwide R&D hubs for Merck Serono.

"The creation of the China R&D centre 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.

Drug development for China and other Asian countries, including local clinical trials and participation in global trials, will be led by the China team. The team will seek out partnerships with local companies and academic institutions, and ensure collaborations with research institutions in China are managed effectively.

Pharmacogenomics, bioanalytics and other biomarker research will be the key focus of the Beijing R&D centre.

The Swiss-based company's key products  Erbitux (cancer), Rebif (multiple sclerosis), Gobal-f (infertility), Saizen (endocrine and metabolic disorders) and Concor and Euthyrox (cardiometabolic diseases) are already available in the country through Merck Serono China.