Heilbronn, Germany, 18.05.2026 (PresseBox) - ProtaGene today announced a strategic partnership with the Life Science business of Merck, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the United States and Canada, to provide biopharmaceutical customers with an end-to-end testing solution across the entire biopharmaceutical product lifecycle, from early-stage development through GMP release testing.

ProtaGene?s expertise in advanced protein characterization and early-stage drug product characterization is complemented by Merck?s BioReliance® established GMP testing capabilities and global regulatory experience. By connecting these capabilities, the partnership is designed to give customers a comprehensive, high-quality offering tailored to the complex demands of modern biologic drug development.

?This strategic partnership brings together highly complementary capabilities and a shared commitment to scientific excellence,? said Dr. Roland Moussa, President of ProtaGene. ?Together with Merck?s BioReliance® Contract Testing Services, we can offer customers a more integrated path from advanced protein characterization to global safety and release testing.?

"Biopharmaceutical companies need support across the entire development journey, not just at individual stages. By combining ProtaGene?s protein characterization expertise with our BioReliance® testing infrastructure, we are providing customers with comprehensive, end-to-end testing solutions to move faster from early development to commercialization,? said Paolo Carli, Head of Advanced Solutions for the Life Science business of Merck.

The collaboration is intended to help biopharmaceutical companies streamline early-stage development pathways, reduce operational complexity, and support accelerated timelines while maintaining the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.

Customers are expected to benefit from coordinated project management, aligned scientific expertise, and access to a broader global testing network. The partnership strengthens ProtaGene?s ability to support biologics developers with integrated testing expertise from early characterization through later-stage development and GMP release.

ProtaGene is a world-leading CRO partner for the biopharmaceutical and cell and gene therapy industries. ProtaGene provides the most advanced, integrated, and complete protein and gene analytic capabilities and packages, from discovery to product commercialization. A unique combination of protein- and gene-based analytical platforms makes ProtaGene the leading analytic service provider in biologics and cell and gene therapy development. The organization operates four sites in Europe and North America and works in advanced therapeutic platforms with leading biopharmaceutical and gene therapy companies worldwide. For additional information, visit www.protagene.com or follow us on LinkedIn.