Merck Announces Recipients of the Grant for Growth Innovation 2017

Merck, a leading science and technology company today announced the recipients of the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI) for 2017. The winners were announced at an awards presentation meeting organized by Merck, during the 10th International Meeting of Pediatric Endocrinology in Washington, United States.

"It is inspiring to see the scientific quality and rigor of these projects and the aspiration of the researchers to whom these grants have been awarded. We recognize that despite advances in treatment and management of growth disorders, we still require a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these diseases to address the unmet medical need of affected patients. We look forward to seeing meaningful outcomes of these projects making a difference in patient's lives" said Dr Steven Hildemann, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Patient Safety at Merck´s Biopharma business.

Sixty-five applications were received from 28 countries, and reviewed by an independent Scientific Steering Committee comprised of six internationally renowned endocrinologists and researchers. Following a rigorous selection process, two awards were offered to innovative projects, which seek to advance understanding in the field of growth and growth disorders. The winning projects originated from the research groups based in France and Denmark, and are as follows:

Professor Irene Netchine,

Hopital Trousseau, Sorbonne Universites-Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France

Project: Delta-like homologue 1(DLK1) implication in fetal and postnatal growth

Professor Jens Otto Lunde Jorgensen,

Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Project: Lipolytic effects of growth hormone (GH): cracking the code

Through the Grant for Growth Innovation, Merck is providing support to pioneers of advanced research in the field of growth and growth disorders, and is thus continually striving to drive innovation and improve the understanding and advancement of science and medical research in this field.

About the Grant for Growth Innovation (GGI)

Merck initiated the GGI program to support the advancement of understanding growth mechanisms and growth disorders. A total amount of up to EUR400,000 per year is invested into this program. This total amount is divided among up to three research projects. Each application is evaluated by an independent Scientific Steering Committee composed of internationally renowned endocrinologists and researchers and in accordance with five selection criteria: innovation, scientific rationale, clarity, feasibility, and impact of research.

For further information about the GGI and how to apply for the 2018 grant, please visit http://www.grantforgrowthinnovation.org

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About Merck:

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Around 50,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of EUR15.0 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.

Contact: Bettina Frank, +49-6151-72-4660