Merck Serono, a division of pharmaceutical and chemical giant Merck KgaA, plans to establish a global research and development (R&D) center in Beijing, to strengthen its global R&D capabilities and expand business in China, said company executives yesterday.

The Geneva-based company will invest more than 150 million euros and create more than 200 new jobs over the next four years to set up the new center and conduct R&D activities in China.

Research conducted in the center will mainly focus on biomarker research including pharmacogenomics and bioanalytics activities.