Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences, a strategic move that will significantly expand the company's downstream processing capabilities for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The acquisition, announced on October 15, 2025, focuses on advanced Protein A chromatography technologies that are critical for monoclonal antibody purification.
Strategic Expansion in Bioprocessing
The acquisition will integrate JSR's innovative Amsphere™ Protein A resin technology into Merck's existing biologics portfolio, strengthening the company's position in the bioprocessing market. "This acquisition will strengthen our position in the bioprocessing market and underscores our commitment to long-term investment in monoclonal antibody production technologies," said Sebastián Arana, Head of Process Solutions, Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2026, bringing together complementary technologies that will enable more efficient and scalable production of biopharmaceutical therapies, including monoclonal antibodies.
Critical Role in Therapeutic Production
Protein A chromatography plays a critical role in the purification of monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins, which are used for treating cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infectious conditions. This specialized purification process is key to achieving high purity and enhanced drug safety, while also improving manufacturing speed and reliability.
The acquisition directly addresses the growing demand for more efficient antibody purification processes, ultimately helping patients gain faster access to critical therapies. By combining JSR's Protein A expertise with Merck's existing portfolio, the companies aim to advance the speed, efficiency, and reliability of antibody therapy production.
JSR's Proven Technology Platform
Based in Belgium, JSR Life Sciences' chromatography business employs more than 50 people and supplies chromatography solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers worldwide. The company has established itself as a leader through its high-performing Amsphere™ A3 and Amsphere™ A+ Protein A resins, which offer superior purification performance and process robustness for a wide range of monoclonal antibodies.
"This acquisition positions our innovative Amsphere™ Protein A technologies for even greater global impact under Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany's renowned platform—enabling more customers worldwide to accelerate therapies to market with enhanced speed and confidence," said Tim Lowery, President of JSR Life Sciences.
Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities
The acquisition will complement Merck's comprehensive portfolio of downstream solutions, which already includes industry-leading filtration technologies, chromatography resins, buffers and chemicals, hardware and systems, integrated technologies, and validation services. These combined capabilities will support customers in optimizing drug development and manufacturing processes with greater speed, safety, and reliability.
Merck's Life Science business, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, employs more than 26,000 people across more than 55 manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services.
