MilliporeSigma and Promega Unite to Transform Drug Discovery

MilliporeSigma has announced a strategic partnership with Promega Corporation to co-develop innovative technologies aimed at enhancing drug discovery and screening processes. This collaboration combines MilliporeSigma’s expertise in organoids and synthetic chemistry with Promega’s advanced assay technologies. The goal is to improve accessibility to disease-relevant cell models for researchers, particularly in the field of complex diseases like cancer.

The partnership will enable the development of assays that can monitor cellular activity in real time within three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, also known as organoids. These organoids simulate human biology more accurately than traditional two-dimensional (2D) models, allowing for more relevant drug testing environments.

Anand Nambiar, Head of Science & Lab Solutions for the Life Science business at Merck KGaA, highlighted the collaboration’s potential: “This partnership with Promega shows what is possible when two companies with a shared commitment to science join forces. By combining our organoid expertise with Promega’s advanced reporter technology, we aim to enable high-throughput screening that helps researchers identify safer and more effective drug candidates for complex diseases such as cancer—and do it faster than ever before.”

Tom Livelli, Vice President of Life Sciences Products & Services at Promega Corporation, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Collaborating with MilliporeSigma allows us to push the boundaries of drug discovery. By combining our technological strengths, we are helping to create more relevant and accessible models for drug discovery, with the goal of enabling new insights and eventually better outcomes for patients.”

In addition to the primary co-development agreement, the two companies have signed a separate agreement to explore integrating MilliporeSigma’s Duolink® technology with Promega’s HiBiT technologies. This integration aims to facilitate new workflows for studying protein interactions within cells, thereby providing researchers with deeper insights into cellular signaling. The partnership seeks to support applications in both biologics and small molecule drug discovery.

This collaboration marks a significant step for MilliporeSigma in its ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in next-generation biology. The company recently expanded its capabilities by acquiring HUB Organoids B.V. in December 2024, a pioneer in organoid technology. This acquisition not only enhanced MilliporeSigma’s portfolio with foundational patents and advanced model generation but also strengthened its position in high-throughput screening services.

MilliporeSigma, operating as the U.S. and Canadian Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, employs over 26,000 individuals across more than 55 manufacturing and testing sites globally. With a diverse portfolio of over 300,000 products, the company focuses on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing, and testing services.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company with a presence in healthcare, life science, and electronics. In 2024, the company reported sales of €21.2 billion across 65 countries. The firm remains committed to creating sustainable solutions that positively impact millions of lives.

Promega Corporation, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is recognized for its innovative solutions and technical support in the life sciences sector. With a portfolio of over 4,000 products, Promega supports various areas, including cell biology, molecular diagnostics, and drug development.

As this partnership unfolds, it is expected to drive significant advancements in drug discovery, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for patients around the globe.