Business Sectors

Oncology BU
Merck Serono focuses on developing novel, cancer-specific therapies that provide beneficial therapeutic outcomes and create new options for cancer patients. Our monoclonal antibody, Erbitux, specifically blocks the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to enhance the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Erbitux® :
In many cancers, including colorectal cancer, EGFR is often inappropriately activated, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Erbitux®, a member of the class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, has been developed specifically to block EGFR, thereby blocking tumor growth and inducing tumor regression.

Erbitux (cetuximab) is an IgG1 monoclonal antibody which, like the naturally occurring antibodies circulating as part of the body’s immune system, specifically targets and locks on to a particular target – in this case, EGFR. Erbitux® works in several ways:
It attaches itself directly to EGFR and prevents it from becoming active.
EGFR with Erbitux® attached is drawn inside the cell and destroyed, thereby reducing the amount of EGFR on the cell surface which could be activated.
Since it is an antibody, Erbitux® has the ability to bring tumor cells to the attention of the immune system, which can then kill them (ADCC).

Erbitux® is approved in Taiwan as well as countries all over the world for treating patients with:
metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in combination with irinotecan after failure of irinotecan-based therapy
locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in combination with radiation therapy.

Fertility BU
Merck Serono is the world leader in fertility treatment. We offer a broad portfolio of gonadotropin hormones for the treatment of infertility at different stages of the reproductive cycle, allowing physicians to tailor treatment to individual patient needs.

With a portfolio of highly effective fertility drugs, Merck Serono offers physicians the ability to tailor treatment to individual patients.
Merck Serono fertility treatments:
- GONAL-f®
- Pergoveris™
- Luveris®
- Ovidrel/Ovitrelle®
- Crinone®
- Cetrotide®

Autoimmunology and Endocrinology BU

Merck Serono is a market leader in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with Rebif®, approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS in over 80 countries worldwide.

Rebif® (interferon beta-1a) is a disease modifying drug (DMD) used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is identical to the interferon beta protein produced by the human body. Rebif has been approved for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS in over 80 countries worldwide. It is the leading treatment for relapsing MS outside the U.S. and is the fastest-growing treatment on the U.S. market.

A new formulation of Rebif® with improved tolerability has recently been approved in the EU and Canada and is under regulatory review in other countries including the US.

In addition, Merck Serono is also a pioneer in making recombinant human growth hormone available for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency in children and adults. Saizen® is indicated in children and adults for the treatment of growth hormone deficiency, as well as in children born small for gestational age (SGA), with Turner Syndrome or chronic renal failure.