The new Merck Biotech Development Centre will be constructed near Merck’s current biotech commercial manufacturing site in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland
Merck invests in advanced biotech development facility in Switzerland. (Credit: Merck Serono S.A.)
Merck is set to invest €250m in a new biotech development and manufacturing facility for clinical studies in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.
Merck’s new biotech development centre is said to deliver cost-effective clinical trial material, advance the development of new biological entities, and addresses the manufacturing complexity of advanced biotech compounds.
Merck executive board chairman and CEO Stefan Oschmann said: “This investment in the Merck Biotech Development Center reflects our commitment to speed up the availability of new medicines for patients in need, and confirms the importance of Switzerland as our prime hub for the manufacturing of biotech medicines.”
Merck Biotech Development Centre will combine research and manufacturing
The company intends to build the new Biotech Development Centre, near its current biotech commercial manufacturing site in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.
The new development and manufacturing facility is designed to deliver a 15,700m² of development space to accommodate a cross-functional team of approximately 250 employees.
The team at Merck Biotech Development Centre will speed up the company’s biotech R&D pipeline, develop biotech therapies and conduct clinical trials, ensuring quality and quantity.
The new facility will be equipped with the most advanced digital solutions and highest technological standards, including continuous manufacturing and laboratory automation, to offer infrastructure for evolving technology.
In addition, the facility will showcase the company’s process solutions for clinical manufacturing and pilot plant operations and eyrise dynamic liquid crystal windows for effective energy management of the building.
The construction at the biotech development facility is planned to be completed in 2021 and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2022, subject to validation by regulatory authorities.
Merck healthcare CEO and executive board member Belén Garijo said: “Our investment in this biotech development facility in Switzerland is strongly related to the growth and progression of our Healthcare pipeline, and our confidence in its future potential.”