Lotte Biologics vs Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO): CDMO Comparison

How does Lotte Biologics compare to Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) for Biologics manufacturing?

Side-by-side comparison of Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) on independent FDA inspections, EMA and MHRA GMP certificates, clinical-program activity, and CDMO Signal Score. Data sourced from FDA, EMA EudraGMDP, MHRA GMDP, and ClinicalTrials.gov.

Incheon, KR · Syracuse, NY
Signal Score
84/100
Quality (FDA + GMP)
100/100
FDA inspections
1
— NAI / VAI / OAI
1 / 0 / 0
FDA warning letters
0
EMA GMP certificates (active)
0
MHRA GMP certificates (compliant)
0
Clinical programs (matched)
0
Capacity
Modalities
Biologics, AAV
Darmstadt, DE · St. Louis, MO
Signal Score
82/100
Quality (FDA + GMP)
99/100
FDA inspections
2
— NAI / VAI / OAI
0 / 2 / 0
FDA warning letters
0
EMA GMP certificates (active)
2
MHRA GMP certificates (compliant)
0
Clinical programs (matched)
22
Capacity
Modalities
mRNA, Biologics, Cell Therapy

Key differences

  • Both maintain clean enforcement records — no FDA OAI classifications or warning letters on file for either CDMO.
  • Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) holds 2 active EMA GMP certificates; Lotte Biologics does not appear in EudraGMDP.
  • Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) appears as a manufacturing partner on more matched clinical programs (22 vs 0) — a broader sponsor book.

On a 13-modality CDMO landscape, both Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) qualify as Biologics manufacturers; Lotte Biologics carries the higher composite Signal Score for Biologics programs in this comparison.

What to evaluate for Biologics programs

Both Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) qualify as Biologics CDMOs. When choosing between them for Biologics programs, weigh these four dimensions specifically — each carries through to the side-by-side scorecard above.

Scale & bioreactor fit

Match validated bioreactor scale (from a few hundred litres clinical to 2,000L+ commercial) and single-use vs stainless to your dose and indication. Confirm titer expectations for your construct.

Cell line & process development

Ask whether the CDMO offers its own expression platform/cell line or works from yours, and how process development and tech transfer are handled.

Regulatory track record

Biologics programs heading to BLA/MAA need a strong commercial-scale inspection history. Cross-check FDA 483s, warning letters, and EMA/MHRA GMP coverage — all shown above.

Drug substance to drug product

Confirm whether the CDMO covers fill-finish and formulation in-house or coordinates a separate site, which affects timelines and comparability.

See all Biologics CDMOs ranked by Signal Score →

Frequently asked: Lotte Biologics vs Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO)

How does Lotte Biologics compare to Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) for Biologics manufacturing?

On CDMO Signal's composite Signal Score, Lotte Biologics is 84/100 and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) is 82/100; Lotte Biologics has 1 FDA inspection on record vs 2 for Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO); European coverage is 0 active EMA+MHRA certificates for Lotte Biologics vs 2 for Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO). Both are tracked in the CDMO Signal directory as Biologics CDMOs. The scorecard above breaks down every metric side by side — use it alongside each CDMO's individual profile for the full regulatory and clinical footprint.

Which has the stronger FDA inspection record, Lotte Biologics or Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO)?

Both Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) maintain clean enforcement records on file — no FDA warning letters and no OAI classifications. Lotte Biologics has 1 FDA inspection on record; Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) has 2.

How do Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) compare on European GMP coverage?

Lotte Biologics holds 0 active EMA GMP certificates and 0 MHRA / UK certificates. Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) holds 2 active EMA GMP certificates and 0 MHRA / UK certificates. Use these counts as a proxy for the breadth of each CDMO's European regulatory footprint.

Which is more active in clinical-stage manufacturing — Lotte Biologics or Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO)?

Lotte Biologics is matched to 0 ClinicalTrials.gov records as a manufacturing partner; Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) is matched to 22. Higher counts indicate broader sponsor exposure but say nothing about approved-product track record — pair this number with each CDMO's profile page for context.

Which is better for Biologics manufacturing — Lotte Biologics or Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO)?

Both Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) are tagged as Biologics CDMOs in our directory, so both are credible options for Biologics programs. The most important differentiator for Biologics selection is typically scale & bioreactor fit: Match validated bioreactor scale (from a few hundred litres clinical to 2,000L+ commercial) and single-use vs stainless to your dose and indication. Confirm titer expectations for your construct. Review each CDMO's profile and inspection record before shortlisting.

Evaluating Lotte Biologics and Merck KGaA / MilliporeSigma (CDMO) for a program?

Use the free AI matchmaker to weigh both against your specific requirements — capacity, modality, regulatory record, geography — and surface other qualified options.

Find & compare CDMOs →
Sourced from FDA, EMA EudraGMDP, MHRA GMDP, and ClinicalTrials.gov.