Merck research grants: Smart Consumables for Digital Integration in Biomanufacturing Processes / Multi-Purpose Microphysiological Systems

> Smart Consumables for Digital Integration in Biomanufacturing Processes: While life science suppliers have been creating new software, automation technologies, sensors, and analytical tools, the consumables used in these processes are still largely “analog”. Merck conducts research into scalable and modular smart consumables that interact with their digital environment, improve the efficiency of purification processes and reduce errors. Proposals should develop a concept and working prototype for smart downstream consumables, such as filters and chromatography media or devices.

Funding: one grant of up to 120,000 EUR/year for up to 3 years with potential further collaboration.

> Multi-Purpose Microphysiological Systems (MPS): Underlying gaps and discrepancies between the biology of in vitro assays and in vivo animal models with the clinical reality of patients’ physiopathology has led to inaccurate selection and prioritization of compound development.  Merck is developing world class human-based MPS that can materially improve translatability and reduce the usage of animals in the testing of drug and chemical compounds. Merck is particularly interested in:

* Novel development of Cardiac, Brain (including Blood-Brain Barrier), and Lung models, both iPSC and Patient Derived Organoid based

* Applications including but extending beyond toxicology to include absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) as well as efficacy models (specifically in relation to Oncology and Neuroinflammation diseases).

* AI model development of human-based MPS systems using data from existing MPS models and/or newly developed MPS models

Funding: We are offering up to one grant to be negotiated on a case by case basis and provides access to applicable areas of our MPS technology platform, along with collaboration opportunities with our scientists and partners.

www.merckgroup.com/en/research/open-innovation/research-grants.html