Merck buys AmpTec to Expand mRNA Capabilities for Vaccines, Treatments, Diagnostics

Darmstadt: Merck has recently announced the acquisition of AmpTec,Germany-based, mRNA contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).

The deal strengthens Merck's capabilities to develop and manufacture mRNA for its customers for use in vaccines, treatments and diagnostics applicable in Covid-19 and many other diseases. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"The success of mRNA-based vaccines for Covid-19 lays the path to accelerate the development of these therapeutics for many 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 lipids manufacturing, we are able to provide a truly differentiated and integrated offering across the mRNA value chain, which will significantly decrease supply chain complexity and enhance speed-to-market. This transaction is another important step to support the constant growth of our Life Science business through tailored, small-scale acquisitions with high impact."

"Last year, AmpTec celebrated its fifteenth anniversary, and this acquisition marks an exciting new chapter for our company," said Guido Krupp and Peter Scheinert, managing directors and founders of AmpTec. "AmpTec's more than 40 employees are thrilled to join Merck and are confident that our PCR-based technology and combined expertise will allow us to offer customers innovative technologies, products and services to help advance life-enhancing therapeutics."