Merck Serono to Start Israeli R&D

Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, will start drug development and commercialization operations in Israel and join the chief scientist’s program there for international cooperation between small Israeli firms and multinational companies.

The Israeli Industry and Trade Ministry will finance half of the R&D costs of these companies through its Chief Scientist’s Office, according to Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

Pfizer also is considering opening development and commercialization operations in the country. The company is negotiating to buy an Israeli biotech hothouse but has not signed any agreements.