Profile: Merck Serono 

Imagepicture Merck-Serono (photo)

Merck Serono is the largest division of Merck. It was established in early 2007 following the acquisition of the former Serono S.A. by Merck and the integration of the business with the former Ethicals division of Merck. Merck Serono focuses on innovative prescription drugs of chemical and biotechnological origin that make important contributions to medical progress.

Highlights of 2007

  • Positive clinical trial data on first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer with Erbitux®
  • New formulation of the multiple sclerosis drug Rebif® approved in the EU
  • EU and U.S. market launch of Easypod™, the electronic growth hormone injection device
  • EU approval of Pergoveris™, the first biotechnology product based on the combination of recombinant human FSH and LH to treat infertility
    The business model

    Merck Serono focuses on innovative pharmaceuticals. One of the company’s main areas of emphasis is biotechnological products such as monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic proteins. A strict focus on selected therapeutic areas is an important success factor for Merck Serono in this business – supported by a high level of competence in research and development as well as production and sales. In 2007, Merck Serono generated around 60% of total revenues with six innovative biotechnology products. Products from Merck Serono are marketed in more than 150 countries. Approximately 16,000 employees around the world ensure the division’s global presence.
    Key therapeutic
    areas/products
    • Oncology: Erbitux® (metastatic colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer), UFT® (colorectal cancer)
    • Neurodegenerative Diseases: Rebif® (multiple sclerosis)
    • Fertility: Gonal-f®, Ovitrelle®, Pergoveris™, Luveris®, Crinone®, Cetrotide®
    • Endocrinology: Saizen® (growth hormone disorders), Serostim® (HIV-associated wasting)
    • CardioMetabolic Care: the Glucophage® family (type 2 diabetes), the Concor® family (cardiovascular diseases), Euthyrox® (thyroid disorders)
    • Other therapeutic areas: Raptiva® (psoriasis), Cyanokit® (cyanide poisoning) and other products
    Market trends and
    prospects for the future
    • According to forecasts by the market research institute IMS Health, the global pharmaceutical market will grow by 5% to 6% in 2008 and reach a volume of around US$ 740 billion.
    • Oncology products will continue to achieve the strongest growth rates. According to IMS Health, they will account for nearly 17% of market growth in 2008. Cancer therapies are expected to become the strongest drug group in terms of sales by 2011.
    • The market for products prescribed by specialists will continue to grow – by more than 14% to around US$ 300 billion in 2008.
    Last update 18.02.2008, © Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany