Merck & Co. Inc. has long been recognized as one of the most innovative R&D focused drug firms; one that has produced a series of first-in-class medicines in hypertension (ACE inhibitors), cholesterol-lowering (statins) and vaccines (the still unapproved products for human papilloma virus/cervical cancer and for shingles). Yet its internal productivity certainly helped inspire a widely recognized reluctance to engage in partnerships and alliances. This reflected not ignorance about what was going on outside the company's labs, but rather a strong not-invented-here (NIH) syndrome. Indeed, Merck operated on the philosophy that it needed to own any critical business asset. If, therefore, it deemed an external research program critical, it generally tried to duplicate it inside Merck Research Labs (MRL)—doubling the alliance's costs: Merck paid the partner and it paid for its internalization.
Merck Opens Up to Europe
Despite a strong trend among Big Pharma towards in-licensing over the last decade, Merck & Co. hasn't been particularly willing to embrace research ideas outside its own labs. But that's changing. Merck's new European in-licensing initiative proves that the Big Pharma recognizes, and hopes to access, the wealth of science and potential deals beyond US borders.
More from Business Strategy
Advanced AI is revolutionizing sales enablement by addressing training gaps and performance challenges. Used correctly, it can help to bridge the sales-marketing divide, accelerate ramp-up times and provide managers with data-driven insights.
As the health care industry undergoes a digital transformation, the integration of AI into Quality and Regulatory Management Systems is proving essential. The challenges for successful AI deployment emphasize the need for robust digital infrastructure, data literacy programs and privacy measures to enhance patient safety and commercial performance.
Aurion Biotech is developing a cell therapy for corneal diseases that is cheap enough to produce and can be scaled that it should reach the masses in a way that other cell therapies cannot.
Companies are exploring new mechanisms of action beyond traditional amyloid and tau and both investors and big pharma are willing to make deals when the science is compelling, panelists at Biotech Showcase said.
More from In Vivo
Ochre Bio co-founder and CSO Quin Wills spoke with In Vivo about the UK-based company's novel approach to finding RNA therapies for chronic liver disease.
As GLP-1 agonists surge to blockbuster status transforming diabetes and obesity treatment, Richard DiMarchi, the pioneering scientist behind their development, recounts the inside story of the drug class in a fireside chat.
João Ribas combines scientific expertise with venture capital at Novo Holdings, applying his dual background to develop biotech investments that connect academic research with commercial opportunity.