Merck Announces MoU with ID Pharma to Accelerate Development and Manufacturing of Gene Therapy
News Release
- MoU focuses on accelerating manufacturing of viral vectors currently under development by ID Pharma
- Supports development of new coronavirus vaccines using ID Pharma’s Sendai virus vector technology
- M Lab® Collaboration Center in Japan plans training and education for ID Pharma scientists
Tokyo, Japan, January 26, 2022 – Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced it signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ID Pharma, the advanced medical business within I’rom Group, outlining its planned support of the development and manufacturing of leading-edge gene therapy.
“By leveraging the Mobius® Single-use Bioreactor throughout the bioprocess development process, along with Merck’s technical expertise, we plan to provide ID Pharma with the solutions needed to shorten the time it takes to deliver therapies to patients around the world," said Isao Hatano, Head of Process Solutions at Merck’s Life Science business sector in Japan. “With nearly 30 years of experience in cell and gene therapy, Merck looks forward to our planned support of ID Pharma in furthering the development and manufacturing of novel gene therapies, including viral vectors in Japan.”
Under the MoU, Merck intends to provide ID Pharma with consulting, training, technical support and process optimization services from upstream to downstream process development, as well as BioReliance® testing services.
“This MoU capitalizes on the strengths of both companies, allowing us to potentially tap ID Pharma’s technical capabilities, and Merck’s bioprocess know-how to reduce the time and cost of manufacturing,” said Toyotaka Mori, President of ID Pharma.
ID Pharma is building a new facility for the production of Covid-19 vaccines using its Sendai virus vector technology in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, with expected completion in mid-2022.
“With the support of Merck’s process development and technical expertise, we will be well-prepared to meet current demand and for future expansion,” Mori added.
In addition, ID Pharma scientists will have access to the Tokyo M Lab™ Collaboration Center for demonstrations, experiments, and training. Merck operates M Lab™ Collaboration Centers in nine countries worldwide, where its scientists and engineers provide customers with opportunities for collaboration, technical guidance, and education in a fully simulated non-GMP bioprocessing manufacturing lab environment.
About I’rom Group
Under the corporate philosophy, "We continue to advance toward medical care that connects hope for tomorrow," I'rom Group, since its establishment, has consistently been engaged in the development of technologies related to advanced medical care and supported the clinical development of pharmaceuticals and other products in order to improve the quality of life of patients. While increasing the value of the Group companies by combining the know-how and networks acquired in the process of promoting each business, I'rom Group is promoting the research and development of vaccines and gene therapy products using its proprietary vector technology, the research and development of new products that apply its advanced medical technology to cosmetics, and the practical application of regenerative medicine.
About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. Around 63,000 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 providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 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 MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.
Contact
Chie Umezawa
Phone: +81 3-5434-6493
Email: chie.umezawa@merckgroup.com
Latest Press Releases
To continue reading please sign in or create an account.
Don't Have An Account?