Merck and Siemens Deepen Strategic Partnership to Accelerate AI and Data-Driven Drug Discovery and Development

Memorandum of Understanding signed to deliver end-to-end digital workflows from drug discovery to manufacturing Combines technology from the Siemens Xcelerator Platform and Life Science portfolio of Merck Joint projects include developing AI-driven tools and digital interfaces that simplify complex scientific processes

Merck, a leading science and technology company, and Siemens, a leading technology company, signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), extending their strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation in the life science industry. The MoU focuses on delivering integrated software solutions, systems and consumables that harness automation, data and AI to connect drug discovery, development, and manufacturing. The agreement marks the first joint use of technology acquired by Siemens as part of the Dotmatics acquisition that was completed in July 2025.

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Merck and Siemens signed new MoU to deepen their strategic partnership.

“Through this collaboration with Siemens, we are opening new possibilities for scientists to move faster from an idea in the lab to a therapy for patients,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Life Science, Merck. “By combining our strengths, we aim to change how science advances, unlocking new ways to accelerate scientific progress.”

“We are partnering with Merck to give scientists around the world the instruments to speed up the development of life-saving medication,” said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries. “Every few years the cost for developing a new drug is doubling. Data, AI and digitalization are key to break this paradigm. We are connecting every step of drug development through a digital backbone – so that data flows seamlessly, insights emerge faster, and medication reaches patients faster.”

The collaboration will focus on digital-first solutions that close workflow gaps in drug discovery and biomanufacturing by integrating Merck’s software-as-a-service (SaaS) products with Siemens’ digital ecosystem. Initial pilot projects include making Merck’s AI tools and digital applications available in Luma, Siemens' Dotmatics Scientific Intelligence Platform acquired as part of Dotmatics. This gives scientists a single environment that links product ordering with immediate access to the digital tools and insights they need to make faster, data-driven decisions.

Building on these projects, Siemens and Merck will pursue new joint projects and explore deeper integration over time. These initiatives include co-developing smarter data management tools and intuitive interfaces that make advanced processes easier for scientists to use. The partnership is also evaluating digital marketplaces that would give customers streamlined access to complementary technologies and services.

Together, Merck and Siemens see digital innovation as central to the future of life sciences. This partnership is designed to set a new standard for digital transformation, giving scientists and manufacturers the tools to deliver breakthroughs faster. It also builds on earlier MoUs between the two companies in smart manufacturing, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing innovation across the industry.

About Merck
Merck, a leading science and technology company, operates across life science, healthcare and electronics. More than 62,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2024, Merck generated sales of € 21.2 billion in 65 countries.

Scientific exploration and responsible entrepreneurship have been key to Merck’s technological and scientific advances. This is how Merck has thrived since its founding in 1668. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed company. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the business sectors of Merck operate as MilliporeSigma in life science, EMD Serono in healthcare, and EMD Electronics in electronics.

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About Siemens
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company’s purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. A leader in industrial AI, Siemens leverages its deep domain know-how to apply AI – including generative AI – to real-world applications, making AI accessible and impactful for customers across diverse industries. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €75.9 billion and net income of €9.0 billion. As of September 30, 2024, the company employed around 312,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at siemens.com.

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