Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) Acquires Amptec To Enhance its mRNA manufacturing Capabilities With its PCR Tech
Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) has announced the acquisition of the leading mRNA contract development and manufacturing organization (CDM)), Amptec. The acquisition will enhance Merck’s mRNA development and manufacturing capabilities for its customers to use in treatments, vaccines as well as diagnostics applicable in coronavirus and other diseases.
Merck acquires Amptec
Stefan Oschmann, the company’s CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board said that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines’ success has laid the foundation for accelerated development of such therapeutics for other indications. He said that Merck’s expansive lipids manufacturing expertise in combination with Amptech’s PCR-based mRNA technology will enable the company to provide an integrated and truly differentiated offering in the mRNA value chain. Stefan said that this will significantly minimize supply chain complexities and accelerate speed to the market. He explained that the transaction is a massive milestone in supporting the continued growth of the company’s Life Science unit via customized, small-scale transactions with considerable impact.
Amptech’s Managing Directors and Founders Peter Scheinert and Guido Krupp indicated that the company celebrated its fifteenth-anniversary last year and the acquisition marks another exciting chapter. Currently, Amptec has over 40 employees and Krupp and Scheinert said that they are delighted to join Merck. They said that they are confident that their PCR-based tech in combination with Merck’s expertise will allow the company to offer customers innovative products, services, and technology to support life-enhancing therapeutics.
PCR tech vital in mRNA manufacturing
Lipids are part of Merck Life Science business unit’s SAFC® portfolio and they are very vital components in mRNA therapeutics formulation including COVID-19 vaccines. Merck has over 20 years of experience in the space and currently partners with over 50 vaccine manufacturers with some using mRNA in their products. The company supports the efforts of the manufacturers in the development and manufacturer of the COVID-19 vaccine and treatments.
The PCR tech is a vital component in mRNA manufacturing and Amptec employs a differentiated PCR-based tech in manufacturing. The tech has advantages such as high quality and enhanced performance, homogeneity, activity, purity, and flexibility as well as flexible capping options.