Merck to acquire JSR Life Sciences chromatography business to enhance bioprocessing capabilities

Merck has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences, expanding its presence in the bioprocessing sector and enhancing its downstream processing portfolio with advanced Protein A chromatography technologies. The deal, expected to close by the end of Q2 2026, strengthens Merck’s capabilities in the production of biopharmaceutical therapies such as monoclonal antibodies.

The acquisition will integrate JSR’s industry-recognised Amsphere™ A3 and Amsphere™ A+ Protein A resins into Merck’s offering, supporting faster, more scalable, and higher-purity therapeutic production. With Protein A chromatography being essential to antibody purification, the move will improve manufacturing reliability and patient access to high-quality biologics.

“This acquisition will strengthen our position in the bioprocessing market and underscores our commitment to long-term investment in monoclonal antibody production technologies,” said Sebastián Arana, Head of Process Solutions at Merck Life Science. He added that combining JSR’s Protein A expertise with Merck’s existing technologies will accelerate customers’ ability to produce therapies efficiently and safely.

JSR’s chromatography unit, based in Belgium, employs over 50 people and serves a global network of pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers. Its technologies are valued for their purification performance and process robustness, especially for complex antibody products.

With this acquisition, Merck continues to solidify its leadership in bioprocessing innovation, aligning with the growing demand for efficient biologics production worldwide.

Explore how Merck’s latest acquisition will advance the future of biopharmaceutical manufacturing in the full article.