EMD Serono Expands Biopharma R&D Facility

EMD Serono, the North American biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany), will invest $12 million for the expansion of its R&D facility in Billerica, Massachusetts, the company announced on May 2, 2016. The new building will span more than 30,000 square feet and accommodate approximately 120 new and current employees whose focus will be on accelerating innovation in R&D, with a focus on oncology, immuno-oncology, and immunology.

"The purpose of this expansion is to advance innovation and knowledge-sharing across our R&D teams, with the goal of accelerating the discovery and development of new therapies for patients in need," said Luciano Rossetti, MD, head of Global R&D for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, at a groundbreaking ceremony in Billerica.

The new two-story, 30,000-ft² building will be an extension of the existing Sagamore Building and will feature open-plan work areas, a central auditorium, and numerous meeting spaces, including bleacher seating for spontaneous collaboration and interaction. In addition to seeking LEED certification to complement the Sagamore Building's Platinum LEED status, EMD Serono will also apply for the WELL Institute certification. The WELL Institute standards measures the human health and wellness of occupants in the building environment. If achieved, EMD Serono would have one of the first projects in the United States with that certification distinction.

Construction on the expansion is scheduled to begin in May 2016 with a planned completion date of June 2017.  In addition to its R&D facility in Billerica, EMD Serono's corporate headquarters are located in Rockland, Massachusetts, and in total, the company has approximately 800 employees across the state.

Source: EMD Serono