Merck Launches Commercial Production of First GMP-Compliant Cell Culture Media Production Line in China

Merck, a leading science and technology company, 17th announced that its first GMP-compliant cell culture media (CCM) production line has begun commercial production in China. Located in Nantong, a major industrial hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, the production line was built with an investment of approximately €6.6 million to meet the growing local demand for high-quality custom CCMs used in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines and novel therapeutics.

The commercialization of the local production line enables Chinese customers to reliably and efficiently access Merck's proven custom CCM products and services. Merck leverages its extensive in-house formulation knowledge to design robust custom CCMs for customers' specific processes and creates innovative solutions to improve the consistency and efficiency of their processes.

"This investment further expands Merck's footprint and capabilities in China and demonstrates our commitment to developing the local biopharmaceutical industry. The new cell culture media production line is a positive demonstration of our commitment to improving patient care using our innovative spirit and global network of expertise," said Roy Wu, Managing Director of Merck's Life Science business in China.
The Nantong GMP facility uses only media components from qualified sources, enabling a smooth transition from pilot to commercial-scale cell culture production with comprehensive regulatory documentation. In addition to tailored dry powder CCM products, customized technical and operational assistance will be provided to support local biopharmaceutical manufacturers' processes and shorten time to market. Product delivery time is expected to be shortened due to local manufacturing.

Cao Haifeng, deputy secretary of the Party Working Committee and director of the Management Committee of Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone, said: "Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone is committed to accelerating the high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical industry. The establishment of the Merck Life Science Center in Nantong will make an important contribution to the region's biopharmaceutical ecosystem."