Merck to Supply Single-use Systems to WuXi Biologics for Non-GMP Pilot Plant in Shanghai

• Accelerates development of biologics
• Includes Mobius® single-use systems for all upstream and downstream operations

Darmstadt, Germany, February 15, 2017 — Merck, a leading science and technology company, was selected by integrated biologics technology platform company WuXi Biologics to provide Merck’s Mobius® single-use systems and technologies to equip a non-GMP pilot plant in Shanghai, China. The facility services WuXi customers and is intended to accelerate development of biopharmaceutical products. The new facility was officially inaugurated on February 15 by both companies.

“The demand for biologics is growing, and the ability to successfully bring these therapeutics to market relies on rapid, cost-effective development and manufacturing,” said Daniel Stamm, Head of Global Process Solutions Commercial, Life Science. “Incorporation of our Mobius® single-use technologies in this new facility will help WuXi Biologics strengthen robust processes and accelerate progress from pilot to commercial scale.”

The plant, staffed by WuXi Biologics, features Mobius® single-use products across the entire upstream and downstream workflow including buffer and media preparation, fed-batch and perfusion bioreactors, clarification, chromatography, virus clearance, ultrafiltration/diafiltration, formulation and fill. This single-use workflow delivers increased efficiency and ease-of-use with improved process economics essential to the development and manufacture of biologics.

“This joint laboratory further strengthens WuXi Biologics' capabilities in integrated biologics discovery, development and manufacturing services,” said Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics. “WuXi Biologics is committed to providing a seamless, truly one-stop service for our partners and clients from concept to commercialization.”

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 €15 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.