| |MAY 20269USD 1B MERCK & GOOGLE CLOUD DEAL AIMS TO TRANSFORM DRUG DEVELOPMENTPHARMA MANUFACTURING TRAINING GETS AI AND VR UPGRADE IN INDIAALEMBIC SECURES USFDA NOD FOR FINGOLIMOD CAPSULES IN US MARKETSUN PHARMA ORGANON ACQUISITION BOOSTS GLOBAL PHARMA RANKThe Merck & Google Cloud deal is set to reshape how one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies operates, with a deal worth up to USD 1 billion aimed at turning Merck into a fully AI-enabled enterprise.Announced today, the multi-year collaboration will bring advanced artificial intelligence tools across Merck's global workforce of 75,000 employees.At the center of the agreement is the rollout of an "agentic" AI platform designed to support teams across research and development, manufacturing, commercial functions, and corporate operations.Google Cloud engineers will work directly with Merck teams to deploy systems like Gemini Enterprise, creating a deep integration that goes beyond traditional tech partnerships. POIn a move to strengthen workforce readiness, the Pharmaceutical Academy for Global Excellence (PAGE) has partnered with 8chili Inc. to roll out an AI and VR pharma manufacturing training platform in India.Alembic Pharmaceuticals has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market Fingolimod Capsules 0.5 mg in the United States. The approval marks another important step in the company's efforts to strengthen its presence in the global generic medicines market.The newly approved drug is a generic version of Gilenya, a widely prescribed treatment for multiple sclerosis treatment. Fingolimod is used to help reduce the frequency of relapses and slow the progression of physical disability in patients living with the disease. It is approved for use in adults as well as children aged 10 years and older.Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain India's Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has announced a major Sun Pharma Organon acquisition, agreeing to buy U.S.-based Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at USD 11.75 billion, including debt.The company will pay USD 14 per share to acquire all outstanding stock, according to a filing released Monday."Following a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, our Board determined that this all cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders," said Carrie Cox in the joint statement.Organon, spun off from Merck in 2021, focuses on women's health and biosimilars. It has a portfolio of over 70 products sold across 140 countries, with strong presence in the U.S., Europe, China, Canada, and Brazil, supported by six manufacturing sites. POand the body. Treatments such as Fingolimod help manage symptoms and improve quality of life by controlling immune system activity linked to the disease. POA large part of the company's success comes from its leadership in livestock vaccines. Indian Immunologicals is widely known for producing Foot and Mouth Disease vaccines, which play an important role in protecting animal health and supporting the agriculture sector. At the same time, its human healthcare division continues to grow, especially through anti-rabies vaccines, which remain in high demand across the country. POThe initiative targets a critical skills gap across quality, production, and regulatory roles as the industry eyes growth to USD 130 billion by 2030.The collaboration reflects a wider shift toward tech-led training, especially as regulators place more focus on shop-floor competence, training quality, and data integrity.By combining immersive learning with AI-driven insights, the platform aims to prepare both fresh graduates and experienced professionals for real manufacturing environments. PO
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