Merck Announces Siren Biotechnology as Winner of its North American Advance Biotech Grant

News Release

• Siren Biotechnology to receive products, technologies and contract testing services to develop gene therapy treatments for cancer
• Experts from Merck‘s Emprove^® team and M Lab™ Collaboration Center to provide consultation and training
• Company has awarded grants to 40-plus biotechnology companies since 2014

Darmstadt, Germany, June 4, 2024 – Merck, a leading science and technology company, announced today that Siren Biotechnology has been selected as the North American winner of its 13th Advance Biotech Grant Program. The biotechnology startup, which is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, was selected for the development of its universal adeno-associated virus (AAV) immuno-gene therapy for cancer.

"Emerging biotech companies play a critical role in driving innovation and development in life sciences, owning 60 percent of the current drug pipeline ,” said Sebastian Arana, Head of Process Solutions, Life Science business of Merck. “Our Advance Biotech Grant Program provides the products, technologies and services to help these companies bring their life-changing innovations to market, and ultimately, patients around the world.”

Millions of people worldwide are affected by cancer. To meet the demand for cancer-treating therapies, Siren Biotechnology is developing a universal AAV immuno-gene therapy platform designed to reduce development and manufacturing timelines, while also working for numerous types of cancer.

As part of the award, Siren Biotechnology will receive a wide range of support from Merck, including Millipore^® bioprocessing products, technologies and consultative services, and close partnership with the company to screen different media formulations to help optimize AAV yield. Siren Biotechnology will leverage the company's BioReliance^® Contract Testing Services for AAV testing, as well as consultation services and training by technical experts from the Emprove^® team and M Lab™ Collaboration Center. Managed by an experienced team of engineers and scientists, Merck’s M Lab™ Collaboration Centers allow customers to explore technical solutions, test applications, assess technologies, and optimize processes. Additionally, Merck’s Emprove^® Program combines high-quality products, comprehensive documentation, and customer support to facilitate qualification, risk assessment, and process optimization.

Since 2014, Merck’s Advance Biotech Grant Program has awarded technologies and consultation to more than 40 biotechnology companies around the world, supporting their efforts to improve patient outcomes for various diseases such as cancer, brain tumors, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular disorders. The company is set to award additional grants in APAC in July and EMEA in November, further expanding its commitment to supporting emerging biotech companies worldwide.