Merck Acquires AmpTec to Expand mRNA Capabilities

DARMSTADT, Germany, Jan. 8, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, a leading science and technology company, today announced the acquisition of a leading mRNA contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) headquartered in Hamburg, GermanyAmpTecThis transaction enhances Merck’s capabilities to develop and manufacture mRNA for customers, for use in vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for COVID-19 and many other diseases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“The success of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 has paved the way for accelerating the development of these therapeutic agents for a variety of other diseases,” said Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. “By combining AmpTec’s PCR-based mRNA technology with Merck’s extensive expertise in lipid manufacturing, we can offer truly differentiated and integrated products across the mRNA value chain, which will significantly reduce supply chain complexity and accelerate time to market. This transaction represents another important step in supporting the growth of our Life Science business through targeted, high-impact acquisitions.”

“Last year, AmpTec celebrated its 15th anniversary, and this acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our company,” said Guido Krupp and Peter Scheinert, Managing Directors and Founders of AmpTec. “The more than 40 employees of AmpTec are delighted to join Merck Group and believe that, leveraging PCR-based technologies and the combined expertise post-merger, we will be able to provide customers with innovative technologies, products, and services to help advance life-improving therapies.”

Lipids are part of Merck Life Science’s SAFC business unit^®As part of its product portfolio, it is one of the key components in mRNA therapeutic formulations, including those for COVID-19 vaccines. With over 20 years of experience in this field, Merck KGaA is currently collaborating with more than 50 vaccine manufacturers—some of which utilize mRNA technology in their products—to support their efforts in the development and production of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and related services.

PCR technology is another critical component of mRNA production. AmpTec GmbH employs differentiated PCR technology for mRNA production, which has currently demonstrated advantages over other production technologies, including:

In addition to specializing in mRNA technology, AmpTec is also engaged in the diagnostics business, focusing on the production of custom long-chain RNA and DNA for in vitro diagnostics. This will complement Merck’s Diagnostics business sector, which provides critical raw materials, components, and services specifically for in vitro diagnostic manufacturers. Merck’s molecular materials portfolio includes custom and pre-designed DNA oligonucleotides and probes for various applications such as PCR, next-generation sequencing, and microarray production.

Merck Group will continue to invest in mRNA as a strategic platform and will expand this technology at AmpTec’s existing facilities in Hamburg and at Merck’s global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany.