Siemens and Merck KGaA Collaborate on AI-Driven Drug Discovery and Development

Siemens AG and Merck KGaA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to use artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery and development. The partnership aims to leverage Siemens' AI capabilities and Merck's expertise in pharmaceuticals to accelerate the drug development process and improve the efficiency of clinical trials. The MoU is a significant step towards the development of innovative treatments and therapies.

Siemens AG and Merck KGaA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in drug discovery and development. The partnership aims to accelerate the drug development process and enhance the efficiency of clinical trials by combining Siemens' AI capabilities with Merck's pharmaceutical expertise Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

The MoU, signed on September 23, 2025, 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 completed in July 2025 Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

Jean-Charles Wirth, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Life Science at Merck KGaA, commented, "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. By combining our strengths, we aim to change how science advances, unlocking new ways to accelerate scientific progress" Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board at Siemens AG and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries, stated, "We are partnering with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, to give scientists around the world the instruments to speed up the development of life-saving medication. Data, AI, and digitalization are key to breaking the paradigm of doubling drug development costs every few years. 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" Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

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. This will provide scientists with a single environment that links product ordering with immediate access to the digital tools and insights they need to make faster, data-driven decisions Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

Building on these projects, Siemens and Merck KGaA 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 Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

Together, Merck KGaA 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 Merck & Siemens AI Drug Discovery Partnership^[1].

In addition to this strategic partnership, Merck KGaA has also announced the FDA approval of a subcutaneously injected version of its cancer immunotherapy Keytruda. Keytruda Qlex, as it is branded, is now available for use in adults and children age 12 and older for 38 solid tumor indications. The injectable formulation will be marketed under the brand name Keytruda Qlex and is expected to become available in late September Merck’s Injectable Version of Blockbuster Cancer Drug Keytruda Wins FDA Approval^[2].

The approval of Keytruda Qlex is significant as it provides patients with a less burdensome dosing option and offers Merck a way to retain market share as the original intravenously infused formulation faces patent expirations in 2028. Keytruda Qlex is the latest injectable checkpoint inhibitor to win FDA approval, joining other recent approvals such as the Roche immunotherapy Tecentriq and the Bristol Myers Squibb drug Opdivo Merck’s Injectable Version of Blockbuster Cancer Drug Keytruda Wins FDA Approval^[2].