Merck (EMD) has announced the capacity expansion of its plant in Lenexa, Kansas. An additional 9,100 m² of space will be available there for laboratories and the production of cell culture media.

"“The Lenexa expansion reflects our commitment to meeting the dynamic needs of our customers worldwide and delivering on our growth plans,” said Darren Verlenden, Head of Process Solutions in Merck's Life Science business sector.

An essential raw material, cell culture media is used in the production of therapies such as vacines, gene therapy, and monoclonal antibodies. As a central tool for biotechnological production, continuous high-quality supply of media is needed to produce these and other therapeutics.

With strategic expansion investments in new dry powder culture media production lines at existing sites in Lenexa, Kansas, USA, Nantong, China, and Irvine, Scotland, the company is increasing both its local and global capacities. This will help meet current and future demands, ensuring a stable supply.