Page 153 - CW E-Magazine (13-5-2025)

News from Abroad

EXPANDING FOOTPRINT

Merck begins work on $1-bn Biologics Centre

of Excellence in US

Merck, the American pharma com-
pany (known as MSD outside of the US
and Canada), has broken ground on its
$1-bn, 470,000-square-foot biologics
centre of excellence in Wilmington,
Delaware.
“Merck Wilmington Biotech will
comprise laboratory, manufacturing
and warehouse capabilities to enable
the launch and commercial production
of next-generation biologics and thera-
pies including potent antibody-drug
conjugates (ADCs),” the company
informed in a statement.

The site will also have the capability
to manufacture the company’s cancer The laboratory component is ex- The company also has plans to in-
drug Keytruda (pembrolizumab). The pected to be fully operational by 2028, vest $3.5-bn in biologics and small
company noted its intention to establish with production of investigational molecule manufacturing sites and
the site as the future base for producing compounds anticipated to start by capabilities in the US. Merck said
Keytruda for US patients. 2030. it remains committed to bolstering
the communities in which it operates
“This is part of a significant in- In March, Merck announced the through substantial investments in
vestment to not only bring the world’s completion of construction on a innovation in US manufacturing and
best-selling medicine closer to the $1-bn, 225,000-square-foot facility R&D, investing approximately
American patients who rely on it, to expand vaccine production capa- $3-bn in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
but to also establish a home for our city in Durham, North Carolina. alone since 2018.
biologics portfolio of products serv-
ing US patients,” Merck said adding Roquette completes acquisition
that it is planning further expansion
beyond the initial investment at the of IFF Pharma Solutions
site to continue to serve its growing
biologics pipeline. Roquette, France-based supplier of Mr. Pierre Courduroux, CEO of
plant-based ingredients and pharma- Roquette, commented, “This pivotal
“The Merck Wilmington Biotech ceutical excipients, has announced the move aligns perfectly with our strategic
site represents our continued commit- successful completion of its acquisition vision to provide innovative, high-qua-
ment to growing our investments in US of IFF Pharma Solutions. lity excipients that improve the efficacy
manufacturing and has the potential to and safety of pharmaceutical formu-
create thousands of high-paying American With this acquisition, and follow- lations. By combining our strengths,
jobs while ensuring that we can pro- ing that of Qualicaps in 2023, Roquette Roquette is poised to become the pharma-
duce and distribute products close to said it will strengthen its position in ceutical industry’s go-to partner for the
patients right here in the US,” said the health industry by integrating IFF development of drug delivery solutions
Mr. Robert Davis, Chairman and CEO, Pharma Solutions’ expertise and product that contribute to improving, sustaining,
Merck. portfolio. and saving patients’ lives.”

Chemical Weekly May 13, 2025 153

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