India Pharma Outlook Team | Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Biosafety testing is becoming increasingly important as biopharmaceutical companies develop complex biologics and advanced therapies across Asia-Pacific.
Merck is expanding its BioReliance laboratory in Singapore to strengthen analytical and biosafety testing services for biopharma customers across the region.
The expanded facility will introduce the first BioReliance Cell Line Characterization and GMP Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) capabilities in Asia-Pacific.
Merck will also add advanced molecular methods, including its Blazar proprietary platform for rapid virus detection.
The expansion aims to improve testing speed and sensitivity while supporting quality control for biologics and the industry’s shift toward molecular methods and animal-free testing.
Merck’s Singapore laboratory will become the first BioReliance facility in Asia-Pacific to combine Cell Line Characterization services with GMP NGS capabilities. These technologies will strengthen biosafety testing for biopharmaceutical developers that require detailed assessment of biological materials during drug development and manufacturing.
Cell Line Characterization helps biopharma companies assess cell substrates used to produce biologics, while GMP NGS provides a molecular approach for detecting and characterizing biological signals. Merck will also deploy Blazar for rapid virus detection, adding another molecular testing capability to the Singapore facility.
The company says the expanded testing portfolio will help customers accelerate development timelines, improve operational efficiency, and address evolving regulatory and sustainability requirements. These capabilities also align with the industry's increasing use of advanced molecular methods for biologics testing and quality control.
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Biopharmaceutical manufacturing requires rigorous testing to identify potential biological risks and support product quality. Merck’s expanded biosafety testing capabilities will give Asia-Pacific customers access to Cell Line Characterization, GMP NGS, and rapid molecular virus detection within a regional contract testing portfolio.
The expansion also supports the industry’s move toward advanced quality control methods for biologics. Merck links these molecular approaches with the 3Rs, Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of animal use as biopharma companies seek alternatives.
Merck opened its Singapore BioReliance laboratory in 2018. The latest expansion will increase the laboratory’s total area to more than 1,000 square metres, strengthening its role within Singapore’s life sciences ecosystem. Merck brings more than 75 years of global testing expertise to the expansion.
Singapore Economic Development Board Senior Vice President and Head of Healthcare Goh Wan Yee said that the expansion will strengthen Singapore’s ecosystem, build local workforce capabilities and support the delivery of innovative therapies to patients.
