The Merck Group: China & India, History & Innovation Part 2

Welcome back to our exploration of Merck's activities and investment in India and China.

Both nations have emerged as leaders in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and today we focus our attention on India. 

India built the foundation of modern medicine, and today is a critical site of technological, healthcare and manufacturing innovation.

It remains one of the biggest global suppliers of vaccines, providing cost-effective medical solutions to countries across the globe.

If you want to discover how Merck is enhancing it's manufacturing innovation in China, head on over to part one.

Merck & India: a history of transforming health outcomes

India, like China, has a rich and highly influential medicinal history.

The Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine, dating back to the 1st millennium BC is one of the world's oldest medical systems, laying the foundation for modern medicine.

Core to the basis of Ayurveda is the use of herbs and spices in everyday meals as preventive medical science, contributing to India's pioneering medical history and distinctive culinary profile.

Treatments for gall bladder and kidney stones (Lithiasis), cataract surgery and black fever were all pioneered in India.

Merck has been involved in India since 1891, with Willy Merck also visiting the nation during his global travels.

He remarked then on its vital importance to the company, which has only grown with time. 

In the mid-1920s Merck representatives in India collaborated with Bayer to develop and market the Vitamin D preparation Vigantol.

After utilising other representatives, Merck was officially incorporated in India as E. Merck India Private Limited in 1967.

In its first year, the company had 115 employees, which rose to more than 1,000 the following year.

Today Merck India is a thriving, vibrant leader in manufacturing, technology and science.

2017 officially marked 50 years of Merck India, which has contributed to significant growth in India's pharmaceutical, manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

During 2021, Merck also played a critical role in helping five Indian manufacturers accelerate and expand global access to Molnupiravir, an Investigational Oral Therapeutic for the Treatment of COVID-19. 

During this process, Kenneth C. Frazier, former Chairman and CEO of Merck commented:

“The scale of human suffering in India at this moment is devastating, and it is clear that more must be done to help alleviate it. These agreements, toward which we have been working as we have been studying molnupiravir, will help to accelerate access to molnupiravir in India and around the world.”

The organisation also donated more than US$5m in supplies and equipment in India to aid relief efforts.

Today the Merck Group continues to meet the demands of Indian manufacturers and accelerate the advancement of global vaccine manufacturing.

A new Managing Director & the EMPROVE® program

In 2018, The Merck Group invested US$18.4m into a then-new manufacturing and distribution centre for its Life Science Business.

Earlier this year, the company appointed a new Managing Director of Merck Life Science in India, Dhanjay Singh, taking the role in addition to his position as Head of Science & Lab Solutions Commercial, India. 

"As an expert with 26 years with Merck, Dhananjay has been instrumental in shaping the Science and Lab Solutions Commercial business in India and is exemplary in his commitment to advancing scientific progress in partnership with our customers,” said Pratima Reddy, Country Speaker, Merck India.

Merck India also employs its EMPROVE® program, which offers extensive documentation to help ensure regulatory compliance and swift, successful vaccine deployment.

The company has sought to refine supply chain transparency, reliability and predictability to protect products during the manufacturing process.

Through Merck's End-to-End solutions, its customers in India have the facility to execute pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, utilising a high-performance portfolio that includes Millipore® filtration systems and chemicals portfolio of SAFC®.

“Merck Life Science is committed to meeting our customers’ demands through our strategic focus on “India for India and India for the Globe", aligned with our country strategy, our strong partnerships with valued customers and our dedicated team,” says Dhananjay Singh, Managing Director of Merck Life Science, India.

“I am enthusiastic to drive our collective efforts toward achieving unparalleled success.

"Together, we will be able to navigate the intricate landscape of the life sciences industry in India, steadfastly supporting government initiatives like “Make in India” to foster growth and innovation."

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