“Merck has made significant efforts to strengthen lab solutions and R&D infrastructure in India”

In this exclusive interview, Dhananjay Singh, Managing Director, Merck Life Science & Head of Science & Lab Solutions Commercial shares insights on the company’s latest offerings, technology trends, investment plans and upcoming initiatives.

Please share key strategic initiatives Merck Life Science has undertaken in India over the past year, particularly in lab solutions and R&D infrastructure?

Over the past year, Merck Life Science has made significant efforts to strengthen lab solutions and R&D infrastructure in India, focusing mainly on automation, digitalization, and local manufacturing. A key achievement in this space is Merck’s recently inaugurated Formulation & Technology Centre that serves as a technology storefront offering advanced formulation and processing solutions.

Merck’s expansion of its Peenya facility in Bengaluru, which now stands as the exclusive global manufacturing site for Pellicon® 2 filtration cassettes, firmly establishes India as a strategic hub for essential bioprocessing consumables in the APAC region.

Merck Life Science in India has further solidified its commitment by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with GenNext Genomics and Aragen. The MoU with GenNext Genomics aims to combine local expertise with Merck’s global biomanufacturing capabilities, providing comprehensive solutions to support India’s growing biotech ecosystem while the MoU with Aragen facilitates the supply of equipment and technologies needed for the process of mAbs (monoclonal antibody) manufacturing and process development for novel modalities.

Would the newly launched AAW™ Automated Assay Workstation address current pain points in laboratory workflows?

When performed manually, many laboratory workflows often face recurring challenges that can compromise research efficiency, data integrity, and the ability to scale. Researchers spend considerable time on tasks like pipetting and setting up assays, making experiments labor-intensive and prone to human error which can lead to inconsistent results. While many of these issues can be addressed by incorporating automation into the workflow, traditional large scale automation systems can be complex to use and maintain in addition to having a high cost that is not affordable for many labs. 

Addressing these concerns and more, the AAW™ Automated Assay Workstation is an easy-to-use benchtop instrument – just plug it in, connect it to internet and you are ready to run your assays. This new system is powered by Opentrons Labworks Inc., the market leader in entry-level lab automation, and is flexible to many types of workflows for assays and sample preparation.  It has access to the Opentrons library of open protocols and comes with access to exclusive protocols verified for reproducibility using a selection of Merck’s broad portfolio of assay kits and reagents.

Together, the custom workstation and automation-enabled assays will deliver increased consistency and higher throughput by reducing manual processing and repetitive tasks with a user-friendly robotic system.  

“India functions as both a cornerstone and a catalyst for Merck’s global innovation strategy, advancing its Science and Lab Solutions business.”

What are the key challenges in implementing lab automation in India, especially across academic and biopharma segments?

Despite the growing momentum, several critical challenges are hindering the widespread implementation of lab automation, especially in academic and biopharma segments. One of the biggest obstacles is the high initial investment required for automation systems, including hardware, software, and staff training. Moreover, integrating these advanced systems into labs with a mix of legacy and modern equipment often results in compatibility issues that demand customized solutions and technical expertise. A major roadblock is also the shortage of skilled professionals well-versed in robotics, data analytics, and digital tools. This talent gap contributes to resistance among lab personnel, who may be unfamiliar with automation technologies—ultimately slowing down implementation efforts.

Other ongoing challenges include the lack of standardized protocols, space constraints in older labs, and the risk of losing manual skills that are still essential in certain workflows. Additionally, digital infrastructure limitations, inconsistent funding, and regulatory compliance requirements also complicate implementation, particularly in academia and biopharma segments. 

What role does the Indian market play in Merck’s global innovation strategy, especially in science and lab solutions?

India functions as both a cornerstone and a catalyst for Merck’s global innovation strategy, advancing its Science and Lab Solutions business through local expertise, advanced manufacturing, and strategic partnerships. A notable example is the five-year agreement with the Heavy Water Board (HWB) to secure a steady supply of heavy water, allowing local manufacturing of deuterated compounds. This initiative strengthens India’s position in the global supply chain while aligning with the government’s “Make in India” vision, fostering growth across the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors, while reinforcing the country’s innovation ecosystem. 

Operating since 2003, Merck’s 40,000 sqm manufacturing facility in Jigani is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure and best-in-class production capabilities. The site is positioned to serve as a key export center for deuterated products, catering to markets including the United States and Europe. 

Merck’s Peenya facility in Bengaluru is emerging as a key manufacturing hub for life sciences in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This development aligns with the Union government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative by strengthening local manufacturing. The facility aims to strengthen India’s rising prominence in the global pharmaceutical and life sciences industry, establishing it as a key manufacturing hub for the APAC region.

If you had to highlight one breakthrough solution from Merck that is fueling innovation and transforming the life sciences landscape—globally or in India—what would it be?

Merck is dedicated to supporting scientists at all stages with tools that can increase efficiency, safety, and success rates of delivering new potential therapeutics. The AAW™ is a good example of this, which will give labs that previously did not have the budget or expertise for automated systems the ability to improve reproducibility and productivity, allowing researchers to focus on more complex tasks that take their science further, faster.

Another example is the Milli-Q® SQ 2Series. As small as a sheet of paper, these systems are compact and easily integrate into laboratory setups – installation can be self-managed by the customer and takes less than 30 minutes. These systems are also scalable, allowing for expansion with additional capabilities to adapt to evolving requirements. In addition, the Milli-Q® SQ 2Series has earned the Greener Alternative Product (GAP) label, reinforcing Merck’s commitment to laboratory sustainability. Key highlights include the ability to reduce water usage by up to 60% and minimize power consumption compared to our previous models, providing a greener solution for ultrapure water.

And these are just a glimpse—Merck’s digital chemistry breakthroughs extend further, with innovations like ChemisTwin™, SYNTHIA™, and AIDDISON™ driving the next wave of scientific discovery.

“India is a key strategic player in the future of the Life Science industry and is taking on increasingly influential roles in global trade and industry standards.”

“India is a key strategic player in the future of the Life Science industry and is taking on increasingly influential roles in global trade and industry standards.”

How is Merck nurturing scientific talent in India and bridging the skill gap in advanced lab technologies?

Merck recognizes India’s vast scientific talent pool and technological progress and is bridging the skill gap in advanced lab technologies through hands-on training, technical consulting, and industry-academia collaboration. The recently inaugurated Formulation & Technology Centre in Turbhe, Navi Mumbai is a significant step in this direction. It serves as a dynamic platform for collaborative research in drug formulation and delivery, acting as a knowledge bridge between academia and industry. By linking scientific innovation with practical application, the centre fosters the development of high-quality formulations that adhere to strict regulatory, therapeutic, and quality standards.

Merck’s High-End Skill Development Centre at IMTech, Chandigarh, reflects Merck’s commitment to advancing life science research in India. It offers scientists, academicians, and students access to cutting-edge tools and technologies. These centers focus on research, development, and training in key areas like functional genomics, protein biomarker detection, and screening. 

Through partnerships with institutions such as Amity University and Punjab University, Merck supports academic and research initiatives that enhance learning outcomes in diverse scientific fields. It also actively promotes STEM education to spark curiosity and encourage innovation among young learners. 

What is your vision for the future of biotech/biopharma labs in India in the next 5–10 years, and where does Merck see itself in that future?

India is a key strategic player in the future of the Life Science industry and is taking on increasingly influential roles in global trade and industry standards. The country’s focus on becoming a manufacturing and pharmaceutical powerhouse has led to significant investments in healthcare and tech infrastructure. Merck Life Science India has made recent investments, including a 2023 expansion of its Jigani plant in Bengaluru to increase R&D and deuterated compound manufacturing capacity for global markets, and a new Formulation & Technology Centre in Navi Mumbai in 2025. These investments are part of a broader commitment to India’s growing market and aim to support the local pharmaceutical industry with advanced tools, enhance global supply chains, and strengthen Merck’s presence in Asia.

*This interview was first featured in the November edition of BioVoice eMagazine.