Merck’s EMD Serono to expand biopharma R&D facility with $70m investment

German pharma company Merck will invest $70 million for the expansion of its US and Canada biopharma business EMD Serono’s research and development (R&D) facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.

The expansion of the R&D facility through the addition of a new building is expected to enable drug discoveries in the areas of oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.

The proposed new building, which will cover an area of 145,000sft, is targeted to be completed in 2021. It will feature wet labs, office space and a cafeteria.

The new building at the EMD Serono facility will accommodate around 400 new and current R&D employees.

Illustration of the new building at the EMD Serono facility in Billerica
Illustration of the new building at the EMD Serono facility in Billerica. Image courtesy of EMD Serono, Inc.

Commenting on the EMD Serono facility in Billerica, Luciano Rossetti – Head of Global Research & Development at the Biopharma business of Merck, said: “Our talented and passionate R&D teams based in Billerica have been highly engaged in advancing a number of pipeline compounds.

“We continue to strengthen our innovation footprint in both the U.S. and Darmstadt, Germany where our global R&D headquarters are located, with the goal of delivering transformational value to patients around the world.”

Till date, Merck has invested over $150 million in infrastructure to advance biopharmaceutical R&D in Massachusetts while generating over 150 new jobs since 2011 in its US R&D facility in Billerica.

Travis McCready – President, and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, commenting on the EMD Serono facility in Billerica, said: “The continued investment of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in Massachusetts is a testament to the state’s global leadership in life sciences.

“In working collaboratively with the town of Billerica, the company’s campus expansion over the past decade has not only helped attract and retain top talent in the area but more importantly, contributed to improving the lives of people with serious medical needs.”

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