AsianScientist (Dec. 7, 2011) – Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, will establish an Asia R&D headquarters for innovative drug discovery and development located in Beijing, China.
The new facility is part of a US$1.5 billion R&D investment in China over the next five years.
“The establishment of the MSD Asia R&D headquarters represents an important milestone as we implement our strategy of building capabilities, and relationships to succeed in fast growing geographic regions,” said Dr. Peter S. Kim, president of Merck Research Laboratories.
“By strategically locating in China, we are able to complement our existing R&D capabilities, and facilitate new collaborations with scientists in the region and across emerging markets,” he said.
Located in Wangjing Park, one of Beijing’s rapidly expanding science and technology parks, the facility will consist of 47,000 square meters of office and laboratory space.
The first phase of construction, scheduled to be completed by 2014, will provide capacity for approximately 600 employees working in the areas of drug discovery, translational research, clinical development, regulatory affairs, and external scientific research programs.
Merck conducts research in a broad range of therapeutic categories including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in China. The company also maintains its commercial headquarters for MSD in China in Shanghai and has manufacturing capabilities at other locations throughout China.
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Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
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