Merck is expanding its BioReliance laboratory in Singapore to strengthen analytical and biosafety testing services for biopharmaceutical customers across the Asia Pacific region.

The expansion will make the Singapore facility the first BioReliance site in Asia Pacific to offer both Cell Line Characterization services and GMP next-generation sequencing (NGS) capabilities. 

The laboratory will also provide advanced molecular testing methods, including Merck’s proprietary Blazar platform for rapid virus detection.

The investment builds on Merck’s more than 75 years of global testing expertise and is aimed at supporting the region’s growing biopharma industry with locally available contract testing capabilities, helping companies accelerate development timelines and meet evolving regulatory requirements.

“Localizing these BioReliance testing capabilities means our Asia Pacific biopharma customers can accelerate their development timelines, improve operational efficiency, and meet evolving regulatory and sustainability standards,” said Paolo Carli, Head of Advanced Solutions for the Life Science business of Merck.

The expanded facility will also support the adoption of advanced molecular methods for biologics quality control and contribute to the 3Rs approach—Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal use in testing.

“Merck’s expansion of the BioReliance lab will bring world-class and next-generation testing services to biopharmaceutical companies in Singapore and the region. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Merck to strengthen Singapore’s ecosystem, build new capabilities within our local workforce, and enable the delivery of innovative therapies to patients,” said Goh Wan Yee, Senior Vice President and Head of Healthcare, Singapore Economic Development Board.

Opened in 2018, the Singapore BioReliance laboratory will expand to more than 1,000 square metres, reinforcing Merck’s broader strategy to strengthen the Asia Pacific life sciences ecosystem and support innovation in biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing.