German science and technology company Merck KGaA (ETR:MRK) announced on Wednesday that its Life Science business, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the US and Canada, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences.

This acquisition will expand Merck's downstream processing portfolio, enhancing Protein A chromatography capabilities for more efficient production of monoclonal antibodies and other biopharmaceuticals.

JSR's Amsphere Protein A resin technology complements Merck's existing biologics portfolio, strengthening its ability to optimise antibody purification.

The chromatography business of JSR Life Sciences, based in Belgium with over 50 employees, supplies solutions to pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers globally. Protein A chromatography is essential for achieving high purity and reliable production of therapeutic proteins used in treating cancers, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases.

Merck's comprehensive downstream offerings include filtration technologies, chromatography resins, buffers and chemicals, hardware and systems, integrated technologies, and validation services. Combining JSR's expertise with these capabilities aims to accelerate development and production of next-generation antibody therapies.

The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2026.