MilliporeSigma and Promega Join Forces to Transform Drug Discovery

MilliporeSigma has announced a strategic partnership with Promega Corporation to advance the development of innovative drug discovery technologies. The collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of disease-relevant cell models, particularly through the integration of 3D cell culture techniques.

Combining Expertise for Advanced Drug Screening

Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, MilliporeSigma is the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. This partnership aligns MilliporeSigma’s strengths in organoids and synthetic chemistry with Promega’s industry-leading assay technologies. Together, the companies plan to develop assays that monitor cellular activity in real time using an innovative reporter system within three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures, also known as organoids.

These organoids provide a more accurate representation of human biology compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) models, allowing researchers to conduct drug screening in a more physiologically relevant environment.

“This partnership with Promega shows what is possible when two companies with a shared commitment to science join forces,” said Anand Nambiar, Head of Science & Lab Solutions for the Life Science business at Merck KGaA. “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.”

Innovative Approaches to Protein Interaction Studies

In addition to their primary co-development agreement, MilliporeSigma and Promega are exploring the integration of MilliporeSigma’s Duolink® technology with Promega’s HiBiT technologies. This integration aims to create new workflows for studying protein interactions within cells, offering researchers deeper insights into cellular signaling and enhancing applications in both biologics and small molecule drug discovery.

“Collaborating with MilliporeSigma allows us to push the boundaries of drug discovery,” noted Tom Livelli, Vice President of Life Sciences Products & Services at Promega. “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 ultimately better outcomes for patients.”

Strengthening Leadership in Next-Generation Biology

This partnership is part of MilliporeSigma’s ongoing efforts to solidify its position as a leader in next-generation biology. In December 2024, Merck KGaA acquired HUB Organoids B.V., a pioneer in organoid technology, further enhancing the company’s capabilities in 3D cell culture. This acquisition expanded MilliporeSigma’s portfolio with foundational patents, advanced model generation, and high-throughput screening services.

These strategic initiatives position MilliporeSigma as a key player in equipping researchers with the necessary tools to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical success. With over 26,000 employees worldwide and a comprehensive portfolio of more than 300,000 products, MilliporeSigma is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, biomanufacturing, and testing services.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, reported sales of €21.2 billion in 2024, demonstrating its significant impact across healthcare, life science, and electronics. The company has been a cornerstone in scientific exploration since its founding in 1668, emphasizing responsible entrepreneurship and technological innovation.

The collaboration with Promega is expected to further enhance the capabilities of both companies in the life sciences sector, enabling researchers to access more sophisticated models for drug discovery and development.