Merck Serono combines leading-edge expertise in two different areas of drug development and manufacturing: new chemical entities (NCEs) and new biological entities (NBEs). This enables us to broaden our research base and help bring innovative pharmaceuticals to patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Traditional pharmaceutical drugs are small molecules that treat the symptoms of a disease with one molecule directed at a single target. They are manufactured by chemical synthesis and typically come in tablet form. NCEs are compounds that emerge from the process of drug discovery.

Biopharmaceuticals are large molecules such as proteins that target the underlying mechanisms of a disease. They are capable of reaching targets not accessible with traditional medicines. Large molecules are created by living cells and are most often administered by injection.

An integral part of our R&D programs is the development of more patient-friendly drug delivery systems. Because most biopharmaceuticals must be injected under the skin, we believe that easier and less painful drug delivery systems will promote patient compliance and product loyalty.

Merck Serono is committed to taking full advantage of the opportunities presented by biotechnology and the human genome. At the same time, Merck Serono creates a link between innovative biotechnology and established pharmaceutical science -- and creates a unique force in drug research.