Merck has completed its merger with Schering-Plough Corp. and has outlined its new global strategy. The new Merck will operate as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, and according to the company, is a global health care leader “aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long-term shareholder value,” according to a statement from the new company.

Merck now has approximately 106,000 employees, and operations in more than 140 countries around the world. The company expects to generate more than 50% of its revenue outside the U.S.

Merck will now market more than 530 pharmaceutical, consumer and animal health products, employ approximately 1,800 people, and invest more than $121 million in R&D in Canada, as part of the company's expanded global presence. Merck operations in Canada include research, manufacturing, and sales.

"This is an exciting time for our company as we advance our position as a strong, global health care leader that will make a substantial difference to patients around the world," commented Carlos Dourado, president, Merck Canada. "Thanks to the talent and dedication of our scientists and employees, the company will offer an outstanding clinical development pipeline that will greatly increase our ability to deliver important new medicines to patients. We look forward to continuing to meet and exceed the needs of our customers and providing them with the high-quality products and service they have come to expect."

Pramod Gupta, Ph.D. has been appointed vice president of quality and chief scientific officer, Coldstream Laboratories, Inc. (CLI). In his new role, Dr. Gupta will focus on strengthening the company’s quality systems, R&D capabilities and overall project execution.

Dr. Gupta has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. Most recently, he served as vice president of R&D at Bausch & Lomb with focus on the global development of drugs and devices. Previously, he held leadership positions at Baxter Healthcare Corp., TAP Pharmaceuticals and Abbott Laboratories. He has been involved with the development, approval and commercialization of more than 30 drug and medical products.

Joe Wyse, president and chief executive officer of CLI, said, “I am pleased to have recruited Dr. Gupta at this critical stage of Coldstream’s growth. His extensive industry experience and successful track record will be key to achieving our goal of becoming a leader in research, development and manufacture of clinical and commercial healthcare products.His record of excellence in R&D, technology transfer and regulatory interactions will greatly benefit our organization and our partners.”

Emerson Resources, Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with Bio Research, a CRO specializing in agrichemical and related industries, to extend its business development capabilities. Robert Westbrook, chief executive officer of Bio Research, will spearhead Emerson's business development and sales efforts in an effort to establish a greater footprint in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

Currently, Emerson serves global organizations including branded, generic and OTC pharmaceutical companies, virtual and emerging pharmaceutical research organizations, raw material suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and intellectual property attorneys.

"Our partnership with Bio Research will strengthen our position as the leader in value-added service, ingredients and expertise," said Adolfo Gomez, president of Emerson Resources. "Robert brings a strong combination of business development skills and diverse industry insight to Emerson and I am confident that he and his team will vastly expand our industry presence — particularly on the West Coast, an area that is ripe with opportunity."

Bio Research, based in Fresno, CA, and its subsidiary, Bio Research Services, represents select products and services related to clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, drug development, and agrichemicals.

As Emerson Resources' new business development executive, Mr. Westbrook will focus on creating new sales channels and building client and industry relationships in support of the Emerson's strategic growth objectives.

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