Merck Invests Euro 35 Million in its Italian Biotech Manufacturing Site of Bari

PR70410

BARI, Italy, October 3, 2017, /PRNewswire =KYODO JBN/ --

New production line for the aseptic filling of biotech medicines under

isolator  

Isolator technology represents best practice for the aseptic filling of

injectable medicines and ensures the highest quality standards  

Investment supports growth of Merck's portfolio of biotech medicines   

Merck, a leading science and technology company, will invest Euro 35 million in

a new production line for the aseptic filling of biotech medicines under

isolator at its manufacturing site of Bari, Italy. The announcement was made as

part of an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the site and its leading

role on the science and technology scene in the South Italian region of Apulia.

"This investment underpins the importance of the Modugno-Bari production site

for our growing Healthcare business", said Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the

Executive Board and CEO of Merck. "It will help us to secure the supply of

medicines that improve people's lives around the world."

The new production line is expected to be fully operational in 2022. It will be

equipped with an isolator designed with the latest technologies available and

with a high level of automation. The isolator technology represents best

practice in aseptic filling which is a prerequisite to ensure the safety of

injectable medicines. The new production line is intended to be used for the

aseptic filling of Merck's biotech medicines in the areas of multiple

sclerosis, fertility and endocrinology with a capacity of 14 million units per

year.

In 2014, Merck already invested Euro 50 million at the Bari

biotech-manufacturing site for a fully automated production line under isolator

and automated warehouse. Established in 1992, Merck's biotech manufacturing

site in Bari has grown over time and currently employs 225 people. It is

specialized in the fill & finish activities of Merck's biotech medicines in the

areas of multiple sclerosis, fertility and endocrinology for more than 150

countries. The site is also involved in the manufacturing of some of Merck's

products under development.

The Bari site is part of a network of 15 manufacturing sites dedicated to the

production of Merck's biotech and pharmaceutical medicines serving 60 million

patients across the globe each and every day.

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About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science

and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop

technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies

to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific

research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD

televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of Euro 15.0 billion in 66

countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical

company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed

corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The

only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as

EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Benedicte Bogh: +41-79-5000137

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Source: Merck