Merck Serono to Expand Research and Development Presence in China    

On November 23, 2009 Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced plans to strengthen its global research and development (R&D) capabilities by establishing a global R&D center in Beijing. Merck Serono is planning to invest more than Euro 150 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. 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 China offers a portfolio of innovative medicines, including the division's leading brands serving patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, infertility, endocrine and metabolic disorders, as well as cardiometabolic diseases.