Merck KGaA has teamed up with Promega Corporation (based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA) to co‑develop new biopharmaceutical technologies for drug screening and discovery using advanced three‑dimensional (3D) cell culture systems.
The partnership brings together Merck’s know‑how in organoid technology and synthetic chemistry with Promega’s advanced assay and reporter tools. Together, they plan to build real‑time cellular activity tests using an innovative reporter system inside three‑dimensional (3D) cell cultures — also called organoids.
The partnership achieves another major step in Merck’s strategy to expand its leadership in next-generation biology and drug discovery. In December 2024, Merck acquired HUB Organoids B.V., a pioneer in organoid technology, building up its expertise in 3D cell culture as well as expanding its portfolio with foundational patents, advanced model generation, and high-throughput screening capabilities.
By teaming up with Promega, Merck is strengthening its bridge between lab‑based discovery and real‑world clinical treatment, empowering researchers to create more precise and effective therapies.
Executive Statement
According to Anand Nambiar, Head of Science and Lab Solutions for the Life Science business of Merck, this partnership with Promega shows what is possible when two companies with a shared commitment to science join forces. By combining our organoid expertise with Promega’s advanced reporter technology, they aim to enable high-throughput screening that helps researchers identify safer and more effective drug candidates for complex diseases such as cancer—and do it faster than ever before.
According to Tom Livelli, Vice President, Life Sciences Products and Services at Promega Corporation, collaborating with Merck allows them to push the boundaries of drug discovery. By combining their technological strengths, they are helping to create more relevant and accessible models for drug discovery, with the goal of enabling new insights and eventually better outcomes for patients.