EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in North America, is investing $12 million to expand its R&D facility in Billerica, MA. The new building will have more than 30,000 sq.-ft. and will accommodate approximately 120 new and current employees, with a R&D focus on oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.
 
Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2016 with a planned completion date of June 2017.
 
“The purpose of this expansion is to advance innovation and knowledge-sharing across our R&D teams, with the goal of accelerating the discovery and development of new therapies for patients in need,” said Luciano Rossetti, MD, head of Global R&D for Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, at a groundbreaking ceremony today in Billerica. “This investment is a reflection of our strengthening footprint in the Boston area and in the US as a leader in biopharma.”
 
The new building will be an extension of the existing Sagamore Building and will feature open plan work areas, a central auditorium, and numerous meeting spaces. In addition to seeking LEED certification to complement the Sagamore Building’s Platinum LEED status, EMD Serono will also apply for the WELL Institute certification, which measures the human health and wellness of occupants in the building environment.