MilliporeSigma and Promega Join Forces to Enhance Drug Discovery

MilliporeSigma has announced a strategic partnership with Promega Corporation aimed at advancing drug discovery technologies through innovative 3-D cell culture models. This collaboration seeks to enhance the ability of researchers to access disease-relevant cell models, marking a significant step in the evolution of drug screening methodologies.

Based in Burlington, Massachusetts, MilliporeSigma operates as the life science division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Promega, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is recognized globally for its life science solutions and services. Together, the two companies plan to leverage MilliporeSigma’s expertise in organoids and synthetic chemistry alongside Promega’s leading assay technologies.

Innovative Drug Discovery Approaches

The partnership is designed to develop assays that can monitor cellular activity in real time, utilizing an advanced reporter system within three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures known as organoids. These organoid models replicate human biology more accurately than traditional two-dimensional (2D) models, offering a more relevant platform for drug testing.

Anand Nambiar, Head of Science & Lab Solutions for the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, stated, “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.”

In support of this initiative, Tom Livelli, Vice President of Life Sciences Products & Services at Promega, remarked, “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.”

Expanding Capabilities in 3D Cell Culture

In addition to the collaborative agreement, MilliporeSigma and Promega have signed a separate agreement to explore integrating MilliporeSigma’s Duolink® technology with Promega’s HiBiT systems. This integration aims to develop new workflows for studying protein interactions within cells, which will provide researchers with enhanced insights into cellular signaling.

The partnership is part of MilliporeSigma’s ongoing efforts to solidify its leadership in next-generation biology. Notably, in December 2024, Merck KGaA acquired HUB Organoids B.V., a pioneer in organoid technology, which significantly expanded the company’s capabilities in 3D cell culture. This acquisition added foundational patents, advanced model generation techniques, and high-throughput screening services to MilliporeSigma’s portfolio.

These developments position MilliporeSigma as a leader in providing researchers with essential tools that bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. The company boasts a comprehensive product portfolio with over 300,000 items, aimed at fostering scientific discovery and biomanufacturing.

As a global player in the life sciences sector, MilliporeSigma, operating under the name of Merck KGaA outside the U.S. and Canada, generated sales of €21.2 billion in 2024, showcasing its extensive reach and impact across healthcare, life science, and electronics.

For more information about MilliporeSigma and its initiatives, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.