- Merck is investing over €300 million in a new research center in Darmstadt, Germany.
- The center will focus on antibody, mRNA, and viral vector research.
- It will support 550 employees by 2027 and aims for near carbon-neutral operations.
- Merck plans to invest €1.5 billion in the Darmstadt site by 2025.
Investment and Focus Areas
Merck is investing over €300 million in a new research center at its global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. The Advanced Research Center will focus on manufacturing antibodies, mRNA applications, and other biotechnological products. The center will provide space for around 550 employees by the start of 2027.
Research and Development
The center will consolidate research on key technologies, including raw materials and processes for antibodies, recombinant proteins, and viral vectors. It will also focus on cell culture media, pharmaceutical formulation, purification aids, and digital reference materials. Additionally, the center will advance analytical chromatography and research along the mRNA value chain.
Medical Applications
The research conducted at the center will support solutions for critical medical challenges. Antibodies and recombinant proteins are used in treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Viral vectors are primarily used in gene therapies and vaccines, while mRNA research is focused on vaccines and cancer treatments. Currently, over 740 clinical trials involving mRNA are in progress globally.
Sustainability and Infrastructure
The 18,000 square meter facility will promote collaboration across departments in an open, modern work environment. Merck aims for near carbon-neutral research operations, utilizing photovoltaics, geothermal energy, and air-source heat pumps for energy supply. The building's design includes energy-saving facades and green roofs, striving for gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council.
Future Investments
The Darmstadt site is a key center for Merck's research and development in life science technologies. By 2025, Merck plans to invest around €1.5 billion in the Darmstadt site. Since 2020, the company has announced over €2 billion in global investments to expand Life Science's capacities and capabilities to meet the increasing demand for medicines.
