Merck Serono To Establish New R&D Hub In Beijing

Merck Serono, a division of Germany-based Merck, has plans to strengthen its global research and development (R&D) capabilities by establishing a global R&D center in Beijing, China. The company is planning to invest over E150m and create more than 200 new qualified jobs over the next four years to conduct R&D activities in China.

The company said that the China R&D organisation is expected to become one of the key R&D hubs worldwide. The company’s Key hubs so far are Germany, Switzerland and the US.

Reportedly, 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 will also ensure the management of collaborations with research institutions in China and continue to look for partnerships with local academic institutions and companies.

The company also said that the research activities conducted in the China R&D center will mainly focus on biomarker research including pharmacogenomics and bioanalytics activities.

Elmar Schnee, president of Merck Serono, 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.”