Merck Expands its Make in India Initiative with a Collaboration with Heavy Water Board for Chemistry Applications in Biopharma

Merck India's collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy's Heavy Water Board will enable the company to produce deuterated compounds for advanced chemistry applications in pharma and biotechnology. According to the company, this will position it as a significant player in the global pharmaceutical landscape while also strengthening its Make in India initiative. Deuterated compounds have been extensively studied in nonclinical settings and are known for their application as metabolic or pharmacokinetic agents.

"What's exciting about deuterium substitution is that it can alter a drug candidate's properties and improve its therapeutic efficacy," says Dhananjay Singh, Head - Science and Lab Solutions, India, Merck Life Science. Scientists can use deuterium atoms strategically to improve stability, slow clearance rates, and improve pharmacokinetic properties, among other things." Overall, Merck's reliable supply of heavy water in partnership with HWB reinforces India's innovation ecosystem, leading to sustainable growth in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. By enabling local manufacturing capabilities of deuterated compounds, Merck can contribute to producing more effective and targeted therapies, a significant step towards improving people's lives, Singh told Pharmabiz.

Following this partnership Merck India plans to expand its heavy water processing capabilities and establish local manufacturing facilities for deuterated compounds. With a reliable supply of heavy water, the company aims to unlock possibilities in manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs, semiconductors, and electronics, contributing to the growth of India's chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and technology sectors. By serving niche markets worldwide, such as Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea, Merck India aims to become a top-ranked producer of deuterated products globally. Going forward, this partnership can help Merck India to address the growing demand for effective niche products making it a top-ranked producer of deuterated products globally and promote the growth of the indigenous chemical and pharmaceutical industries, he said.