Merck has started the commercial production of its first GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant manufacturing line for cell culture media (CCM) in China.

The approximate EUR 6.6 million investment at its Life Science Center in Nantong, a major industrial hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, aims to address the growing local demand for quality custom CCM used in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and novel therapeutics

Commercialization of the local production line enables Chinese customers to access Merck’s well-established custom CCM products and services reliably and efficiently. Leveraging extensive in-house formulation knowledge, Merck designs robust custom CCM for customers’ specific processes and creates innovative solutions that enhance consistency and efficiency of their processes.

“This investment further expands Merck's footprint and capabilities in China, showcasing our commitment to the development of the local biopharma industry,” said Roy Wu, Managing Director of the Life Science business sector, Merck China.

“The new cell culture media manufacturing line is a positive proof of our commitment to improve patient care by leveraging our innovative spirit and global network of expertise,” Wu added.

“The Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area (NETDA) is focused on accelerating high-quality development of its biopharma industry,” said Cao Haifeng, Deputy Secretary of NETDA Party Working Committee and Director of NETDA Administrative Committee.

“The project of Merck's Life Science Center in Nantong will provide important contributions to the biopharma eco-system of the region,” Haifeng added.

Merck provides a full range of innovative solutions to local and global biopharma customers. In addition to CCM, the Life Science business offers an extensive range of products, including cell lines, bioreactors, filters, resins, chromatographic, pharmaceutical raw materials, and excipients.

Its end-to-end process solutions are designed to comprehensively support biopharma manufacturers from process development to scale-up, benefiting patients and contributing to the advancement of global health.