Merck KGaA : Successful Cooperation Between Merck and Agrimer in Marine-Derived Dermocosmetic Active Ingredients

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Nina Diergardt +49 6151 72-7589

July 1, 2016

Successful Cooperation Between Merck and Agrimer in Marine-Derived Dermocosmetic Active Ingredients

• Long-term partnership for innovative ingredients from the sea
• RonaCare® RenouMer is the first product developed from red algal cytoplasm to keep skin looking young

Darmstadt, Germany, July 1, 2016 - Merck, a leading science and technology company, entered into a long-term cooperation agreement with the French company Agrimer to use innovative marine active ingredients. This cooperation has now produced the first marine active ingredient from a new genetically decoded species of algae: RonaCare® RenouMer is specifically designed to maintain the skin's firmness and support collagen formation.

RonaCare® RenouMer was developed from the rich cytoplasm of the red algae Polysiphonia elongata, which Agrimer discovered off the French Atlantic coast of Brittany. In the water, the algae is completely exposed to the sun and has developed interesting survival strategies. The effect of its cytoplasmic components of its cytoplasm, which are also beneficial to human cells, has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo: The components support collagen formation, thereby making the skin thicker and smoother, as well as creating the conditions to maintain the skin's moisture and elasticity.

RonaCare® RenouMer combines the charm of marine active ingredients with the wish of consumers of every age to preserve the fresh and youthful appearance of their skin for as long as possible. Karl-Christian Gallert, head of the Cosmetics business at Merck, was very pleased about the collaboration, stating "This active ingredient made from the cytoplasm of algae with its natural mechanism of action ideally complements our dermocosmetics portfolio."

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News Release

Cosmetic active ingredients from the sea are particularly attractive to consumers and the cosmetics industry, as they combine the desire for natural and sustainable products with the fascination of the unexplored depths of the ocean. The sea is one of the last secrets of our planet and a source of undiscovered substances for health and beauty. Agrimer is one of the most innovative companies in harvesting marine resources for cosmetics, foods, pharmacy, and agriculture. "This new active ingredient is the result of an R&D program launched five years ago. It can be seen as the first important step in the development of innovative marine actives," said André Prigent, President of Agrimer. "We are very pleased that through the collaboration with Merck our products will now be available worldwide."

About Agrimer:

Located in Brittany, France, Agrimer is a leading industrial company in harvesting, transforming and valorizing marine resources. This area represents the largest seaweed beds in Europe and is well known for its rich biodiversity: more than 800 different species of seaweeds are present in the protected "Iroise Sea Marine Park". With its know-how, Agrimer collaborates with experts in cosmetics, health food, pharmacy, and agriculture. Its strength lies in the proximity of its site to the seaweed beds and total control of the adding value process from harvesting to the finished products. www.agrimer.com

Cosmetic ingredients from Merck: Merck is a leader manufacturer of ingredients for the cosmetics industry. Along with decorative effect pigments, the company offers its customers functional solutions in the field of skin care and protection. In particular, effect pigments and functional products are used in many cosmetic products and in packaging in order to provide color, luster, gloss and other effects and to strengthen brand identity. Merck offers a wide range of active ingredients used in skin care cosmetics to protect the skin against UV radiation and premature aging. More information about the range of products offered by Merck can be found at www.merck4cosmetics.com.

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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 2015, Merck generated sales of € 12.8 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, Darmstadt, Germany 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.

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