Merck Launches First Commercial Screening Service to Predict Multiple Sources of DNA Damage

• Determines genotoxicity and mode of action in single high-throughput assay
• Accelerates analysis of chemicals, ingredients and drugs

Darmstadt, Germany, January 18, 2017 — Merck, a leading science and technology company, has introduced CAN MultiFlow™ screening services to more accurately predict genotoxic and mode of action* properties of substances, ingredients and drug compounds. Offered through its BioReliance® testing facilities, Merck will be the first company to provide this service in the United States.

The screening process uses flow cytometry to quickly and efficiently screen for clastogens, aneugens and non-genotoxicants (CAN) in pharmaceutical compounds, agricultural chemicals, flavors, fragrances and consumer products. The results from the assay can help manufacturers reject harmful substances during product development or reduce undesirable properties at an early stage.

“Assessing toxicology is one of the most important steps in the development of chemicals, ingredients and drugs for use in pharmaceuticals, agriculture or consumer goods,” said Andrew Bulpin, Head of Process Solutions Strategic Marketing & Innovation, Life Science. “Merck’s new CAN MultiFlow™ screening services provide more accurate predictions for toxicity than other approaches. This highly efficient and accurate service will allow for faster evaluation of compounds for potential hazards, making drugs, cosmetics, flavors, fragrances and other chemicals safer for consumers in the long run.”

Unlike other screening tests, the CAN MultiFlow™ assay analyses multiple biomarkers (p53, hH2AX and Phospho-Histone H3) associated with DNA damage in a single high-throughput assay. This model provides more accurate predictions of genotoxicity to help avoid false positives or other misinformation that may exclude an otherwise safe compound from a development pipeline. The CAN MultiFlow™ assay uses a minimal amount of material for testing and rapidly provides results.

The new CAN MultiFlow™ assay is based on the MultiFlow™ kit from Litron Laboratories. At this time, Merck is the only provider of the service in the United States. With the addition of this new service, Merck now offers the industry’s most current and comprehensive range of solutions for genotoxicity assessment, from discovery to lead optimization, and from regulatory assessment to lead rescue.

* mode of action properties are functional or anatomical changes that occur at the cellular level as a result of exposure to a toxic substance.

About Merck

Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science, and electronics. Around 58,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From advancing gene-editing technologies and discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2020, Merck generated sales of € 17.5 billion in 66 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as EMD Serono in healthcare, MilliporeSigma in life science, and EMD Electronics.