Merck expands biosafety testing lab in Singapore with goal of quicker access to services locally

The expanded facility aims to support the industry’s move towards quality control testing of biologics and 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal use) through advanced molecular methods.

Merck is expanding its biosafety testing laboratory in Singapore with the aim to bring new testing capabilities closer to biopharmaceutical companies across Asia Pacific.

The expanded BioReliance® laboratory will be the first in Merck’s Asia Pacific network to offer both Cell Line Characterisation services and GMP next-generation sequencing. It will also provide molecular testing methods, including rapid virus detection.

Merck did not disclose the number of employees involved in the expansion. However, the company said the larger laboratory would help customers access analytical and biosafety testing services locally, rather than relying as heavily on facilities outside the region.

The lab was opened in 2018 and will now have an area of more than 1,000sqm. It supports testing carried out during the development and manufacture of biologic medicines, where companies must check for contaminants and demonstrate that products meet safety and quality standards.

Goh Wan Yee, Senior Vice President and Head of Healthcare, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), commented: "We look forward to continuing our partnership with Merck to strengthen Singapore’s ecosystem, build new capabilities within our local workforce, and enable the delivery of innovative therapies to patients."

The focus on new testing methods is also linked to the industry’s push to reduce animal use in testing, wherein molecular methods can offer quicker and more sensitive ways to detect viruses and other potential risks.

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Lead image / EDB