Merck Animal Health Inaugurates Its Second-Largest Global Animal Vaccine R&D Center in Ningbo, China

ShanghaiNovember 14, 2023 PR Newswire -- On November 13, the opening ceremony of MSD Animal Health China R&D and Process Technology Center was held in Ningbo. This center will become the second largest animal vaccine R&D center of MSD Animal Health globally.

MSD Animal Health China R&D and Process Technology Center

Vice President of Global Biologics R&D, MSD Animal HealthIan Tarpey, Rob Barclay, Vice President of Commercial for Asia Pacific and South Africa, Sjo Koumans, Chief Scientist of European Process Technology, and others attended the completion ceremony.

MSD Animal Health China R&D and Process Technology Center Inauguration Ceremony

As a world-leading biopharmaceutical company, MSD Animal Health boasts an industry-leading R&D pipeline for vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and technological solutions, along with a global network of R&D facilities and production bases. To practice“Rooted in China, Deeply Cultivating China”'s strategic commitment, MSD Animal HealthIn 2019, the first R&D and production base in China was established in Ningbo Qianwan New Area, Zhejiang Province. In 2021, an investment of over 30 million US dollars was made to build the China R&D and Process Technology Center (hereinafter referred to as the China R&D Center), which was officially delivered for use in September 2023.

The completion of MSD's R&D center in China further demonstrates Merck & Co., Inc.'s commitment to serving the Chinese market in animal health and its dedication to continuous advancement in the field of research and development. In the future, leveraging the localized scientific research and innovation capabilities of the R&D center in China, MSD will provide the Chinese market with more high-quality, high-tech, and high-value-added animal health products.

Wei Cheng Xu, Head of China R&D at MSD Animal Health, stated: "The completion of the new R&D and Process Technology Center will serve as a cornerstone for us to reach even greater heights, providing robust support to continuously enrich our R&D pipeline. We will fully leverage the advantages of MSD's global R&D platform, align with the needs of the Chinese market and industry, actively collaborate with universities and research institutions in China, and under the support of governments at all levels, commit ourselves to developing innovative vaccines required by the Chinese market, faithfully serving the animal health industry in China."

Wei Cheng Xu, Head of MSD Animal Health China R&D

To promote academic exchange, accelerate industry-university-research cooperation, and advance the development and innovation of new animal vaccines and process technologies, the "Important Swine Diseases and New Vaccine Technologies Seminar" was held on the day of the completion of MSD's China R&D Center. Representatives from government departments, experts from domestic and international institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China Agricultural University, and South China Agricultural University, as well as production and farming enterprises gathered to conduct in-depth discussions on key topics related to important swine infectious diseases and vaccine research. These included the prevalent strains of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) in China and the progress of vaccine development, emerging and re-emerging diseases, control and prevention of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, intradermal vaccination technology, and advancements in swine vaccine manufacturing technologies.

For a long time, MSD Animal Health has adhered to the concept of "Science Makes Animals Healthier™," establishing and developing four business units in China: swine, poultry, pets, and ruminants. It is committed to promoting sustainable and high-quality food supply, supporting the development of public health initiatives, and creating harmonious lives for humans and their pets.

Currently, MSD Animal Health has launched approximatelySixty vaccines and chemical drugs, as well as ear tags, intelligent monitoring systems, and other products, have provided high-quality poultry, swine, ruminant vaccines, veterinary drug products, and intelligent breeding solutions to more than 2,000 livestock farming enterprises. Meanwhile, pet vaccines, deworming products, and smart pet feeding equipment were supplied to over 10,000 pet hospitals and a large number of pet owners.

As one of the fastest-growing animal health companies globally, MSD Animal HealthWith sales reaching $5.55 billion in 2022, the company has become an industry-leading provider of vaccines, drugs, and intelligent solutions, thanks to its robust R&D capabilities and high-quality production and supply, occupying a leading position in key species细分 markets.

The completion of MSD's China Research and Development Center marks the successful establishment of its research, production, and commercial operations in China. This milestone signifies MSD Animal Health's entry into a new field of animal technology solutions. By organically integrating biopharmaceuticals with technological solutions, MSD aims to provide more efficient and comprehensive services to livestock enterprises and pet owners in China.

Li Ruiwu, General Manager of MSD (Ningbo) Animal Health Technology Co., Ltd., stated: "The completion of the China R&D Center is an important part of realizing MSD Animal Health's long-term strategy. In the future, we will adhere to the global R&D unified standards and processes, continuously introduce innovative technologies, integrate local R&D and production, and better serve China’s livestock farming enterprises and pet owners, becoming a reliable partner for more and more Chinese customers. Science makes animals healthier™."