Merck on Track with Pharma Strategy

Merck announced that its biopharmaceutical division Merck Serono is well on track with the implementation of the Group’s “Fit for 2018” transformation and growth program. This is reflected by efficiency gains and the successful execution of growth initiatives as well as progress in the pipeline, among others in Immuno-Oncology and in the field of Biosimilars, in which Merck plans to step up investments next year.

“I’m happy that the realignment of our pharma business is taking hold and that we’re now in a position to demonstrate clear progress,” said Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of the Executive Board of Merck, at the Analyst & Investor Day in Darmstadt. “We are well on track to live up to our own as well as to the expectations of our patients, customers and those of the capital markets.”

Merck today presented a detailed update of its clinical development candidates in Immunology and Oncology and Immuno-oncology. Besides clinical data on atacicept and the program and prospects around TH-302, initial progress regarding the immuno-oncology drug candidate anti-PD-L1 was discussed.

“While we are moving forward expeditiously with our internal programs, we have initiated a competitive process to select the best partner for the global co-development and co-commercialization of our anti-PD-L1 compound,” said Stefan Oschmann, CEO Pharma and member of the Executive Board of Merck. “We are currently in advanced discussions with major oncology players and aim to reach an agreement by year- end.”

Merck today gave examples of how to keep the biopharmaceutical business around Erbitux, Rebif and fertility resilient, stable and profitable by building on strong competitive positions. In General Medicine, especially with brands such as Glucophage and Concor, Merck is focusing on growth in Emerging Markets.

Belén Garijo, CEO of Merck Serono, concluded: “The roadmap to becoming a successful mid-sized biopharma player has been clearly defined. Given the growth initiatives we discussed today plus our promising pipeline candidates such as anti PD-L1, atacicept and TH-302, Merck Serono is well-positioned to deliver sustainable success. Together with the existing business and related initiatives, our current R&D focus in the fields of immuno-oncology, immunology and oncology will drive Merck Serono`s growth from 2016 and beyond.”

Merck also gave an update on its plans for its Biosimilars activities. In addition to the already disclosed investment plan of € 100 million for this year, the unit plans to invest € 130 million to € 150 million in 2015, depending on the outcome of ongoing Phase I studies. Existing partnerships with India’s Dr. Reddy’s and Brazil’s Bionovis will be expanded by another, yet undisclosed in-licensing agreement for a late-stage biosimilar, initially for smaller emerging markets. Between 2015 and 2016, Merck plans to initiate between two and five Phase III clinical trials.