Merck, a global leader in science and technology, has entered into a strategic partnership with Promega Corporation, a leading life science solutions company based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. The two companies will co-develop novel technologies aimed at transforming drug screening and discovery.
As per the press release, this collaboration combines Merck’s expertise in organoids and synthetic chemistry with Promega’s industry-leading assay and reporter technologies. Together, they will develop real-time assays that track cellular activity using an innovative reporter system within three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, also known as organoids.
Advancing More Accurate Drug Testing Models
Organoids replicate human biology more accurately than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell models. By enabling drug testing in physiologically relevant systems, this partnership aims to improve the reliability and predictive power of preclinical research—bridging the gap between laboratory findings and clinical success.
A Shared Vision to Transform Drug Discovery
“This partnership with Promega demonstrates what is possible when two science-driven companies collaborate toward a common goal,” said Anand Nambiar, Head of Science & Lab Solutions for Merck’s Life Science business. “By combining our organoid expertise with Promega’s advanced reporter technology, we aim to accelerate high-throughput screening that helps researchers identify safer and more effective drug candidates for complex diseases such as cancer—faster than ever before.”
Pushing Boundaries Through Technological Synergy
Echoing this sentiment, Tom Livelli, Vice President, Life Sciences Products & Services at Promega Corporation, stated, “Collaborating with Merck allows us to push the boundaries of drug discovery. By combining our technological strengths, we are creating more relevant and accessible models for research, paving the way for new insights and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients.”
Expanding Research Capabilities Through Integrated Technologies
In addition to the primary co-development agreement, Merck and Promega have also signed a secondary collaboration. This partnership will explore integrating Merck’s Duolink® technology with Promega’s HiBiT platform. This integration will create new workflows to study protein interactions inside living cells. It will offer deeper insights into cellular signaling and advance applications in both biologics and small-molecule drug discovery.
Strengthening Merck’s Leadership in Next-Generation Biology
The partnership with Promega marks another strategic step in Merck’s mission to lead innovation in next-generation biology. In December 2024, Merck acquired HUB Organoids B.V., a pioneer in organoid technology, significantly expanding its 3D cell culture capabilities. The acquisition strengthened Merck’s portfolio with HUB’s foundational patents. It also expanded the company’s capabilities in advanced model generation and high-throughput screening services.
Shaping the Future of Drug Discovery
Merck is positioning itself as a global leader in next-generation drug discovery technologies. This follows its partnership with Promega and recent strategic acquisitions. By uniting complementary expertise and advanced platforms, the company empowers researchers with cutting-edge tools. These tools help accelerate breakthroughs and enhance drug safety. These efforts will enhance clinical success rates and bring science closer to patients worldwide.