Can you discuss how recent investments will help advance ADC manufacturing, Millipore’s dominance in the space, and the potential of the modality?

BH: MilliporeSigma made several significant advances in Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) manufacturing capabilities over 2024, including the US$76 million expansion and the launch of the Mobius ADC Reactor.

This investment is designed to triple our existing manufacturing capacity to meet the increased global client demand for ADCs. This expansion upgrades to the benefit of PAD, QC, R&D, manufacturing, and logistics departments. Further, the expansion builds new labs and buffer prep, cold storage, and warehouse spaces and become a steppingstone in our overall growth journey.

We are shaping tomorrow’s cancer care today with ADCs, which signify a groundbreaking advancement in first-line treatment strategies. By moving beyond traditional, one-size-fits-all therapies, ADCs empower drug developers to deliver highly targeted treatments that effectively destroy tumor cells while preserving healthy tissue.

SA: These investments and innovations such as the Mobius® ADC Reactor underscore MilliporeSigma’s continued investment in novel modalities. Our launch of the Mobius ADC reactor represents the first-ever single-use reactor specifically designed to manufacture ADCs. ADCs are a rapidly emerging class of therapeutic agents that can target and selectively kill tumor cells, while protecting healthy ones. The Mobius® ADC Reactor is tailored precisely to meet the unique requirements for linking the necessary components. It enables biopharmaceutical companies to produce their critical therapies faster and safer. How will the acquisition of Mirus Bio position the company for viral vector manufacturing, and how it will help advance novel modalities like cell and gene therapy?

SA: The acquisition of Mirus Bio in July 2024 reinforces our upstream position to provide integrated solutions across the viral vector value chain. One example is TransIT-VirusGEN®, a transfection reagent that plays a critical role in the production of viral vector-based gene therapies. How does MilliporeSigma differentiate itself through innovation?

BH: More than 1,700 engineers, chemists and biologists across our 12 global hubs continue to focus on six strategic innovation vectors: building our core portfolio, labs and factories of the future, novel modalities, next-generation biology, AI and digital, and sustainability. In 2024, we launched more than 9,200 products and solutions, including those under our “faucet program” for antibodies, reference materials, chemicals, and nanomaterials.

We are innovators in the community as well. Some of our key achievements in the US include matching 100% of our US electric consumption with renewable energy. In addition, our Employee and Community Engagement program has served more than 720 events in the US, igniting STEM passion in more than 169,000 students across the country.

In Life Science Services, we launched AptegraTM a new platform that takes five assays down to one, reducing genetic stability testing time by 66%. In addition, our Blazar® Rapid Virus Detection platform provides accurate and highly sensitive viral direction in days versus the traditional timeline of weeks, has saved more than 7,000 animals since 2019. What are MilliporeSigma’s strategic priorities for the next years?

SA: MilliporeSigma’s strategic focus is centered around evolving its portfolio to address the needs of academic, biotech and pharmaceutical customers - all aligned with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s ambition to spark discovery and elevate humanity.

MilliporeSigma, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is advancing its position in high-growth areas by strengthening offerings across the molecule and modality journey from discovery to commercial manufacturing. Strategic investments, such as the recent acquisition of Mirus Bio for transfection reagents and the expansion of ADC and HP-API capabilities, support the company’s ambition to lead in novel modalities including viral vectors, ADCs, and mRNA.

At the same time, the company is significantly expanding global capacity with major investments in sites across the US, Germany, Korea and Latin America. These investments are designed to ensure supply security, regional access, and scalability to meet future biomanufacturing needs.

MilliporeSigma is also focused on improving customer experience through a unified portfolio strategy, increased R&D intensity, digital platforms, and integrated services. Across Science & Lab Solutions, Process Solutions, and Life Science Services, the focus remains on scientific expertise, operational excellence, and a commitment to sustainability.