MilliporeSigma and Promega Unite to Enhance 3-D Cell Drug Discovery

MilliporeSigma has announced a strategic partnership with Promega Corporation to develop advanced drug discovery technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance drug screening processes by integrating MilliporeSigma’s expertise in organoids and synthetic chemistry with Promega’s leading assay technologies. The initiative focuses on improving researcher access to more relevant disease models through the use of three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures.

Advancing Drug Discovery with Innovative Technologies

The partnership will enable the creation of assays that monitor cellular activity in real-time, employing an innovative reporter system within 3D cell cultures. These organoids represent a more physiologically relevant model compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) cultures, which often fail to accurately replicate human biology. By advancing these technologies, the collaboration seeks to facilitate the identification of safer and more effective drug candidates, particularly for complex diseases such as cancer.

Anand Nambiar, Head of Science & Lab Solutions for the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This partnership with Promega shows what is possible when two companies with a shared commitment to science join forces. By combining our organoid expertise with Promega’s advanced reporter technology, we aim to enable high throughput screening that helps researchers identify safer and more effective drug candidates for complex diseases.”

In alignment with their mutual goals, Tom Livelli, Vice President of Life Sciences Products & Services at Promega Corporation, noted, “Collaborating with MilliporeSigma allows us to push the boundaries of drug discovery. By combining our technological strengths, we are helping to create more relevant and accessible models for drug discovery, with the goal of enabling new insights and eventually better outcomes for patients.”

Exploring New Workflows and Enhancing Research Capabilities

In addition to the primary agreement, MilliporeSigma and Promega have initiated a separate collaboration to explore the integration of MilliporeSigma’s Duolink technology with Promega’s HiBiT technologies. This integration aims to develop new workflows for studying protein interactions within cells, offering researchers deeper insights into cellular signaling pathways. Such advancements will support applications in both biologics and small molecule drug discovery.

This partnership is part of MilliporeSigma’s broader strategy to solidify its leadership in next-generation biology. In December 2024, the company acquired HUB Organoids B.V., a pioneer in organoid technology, which further expanded its capabilities in 3D cell culture. This acquisition included HUB’s foundational patents and high-throughput screening services, positioning MilliporeSigma as a key player in bridging laboratory discoveries with clinical success.

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, operates under the brand MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, employing over 26,000 individuals across more than 55 manufacturing and testing sites globally. The company maintains a diverse portfolio of over 300,000 products aimed at supporting scientific discovery, biomanufacturing, and testing services.

As a leading science and technology organization, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany generated sales of €21.2 billion in 2024 across 65 countries. The company operates in various sectors, including healthcare, life science, and electronics, striving to make a positive impact on millions of lives through innovative scientific advancements.

Promega Corporation, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, has been a leader in providing innovative solutions to the life sciences industry for over 45 years. Its extensive portfolio includes more than 4,000 products that support various applications in cell biology, drug development, and diagnostics. With branches in 16 countries and over 50 global distributors, Promega continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the field of life sciences.

For further information about MilliporeSigma and its offerings, visit their official website and follow them on social media platforms.