Merck is making another deal in its strategy to become a top maker of biotech drugs, buying a British company that makes them, according to AP. Merck & Co., the world"s second biggest drugmaker, says its United Kingdom subsidiary has agreed to acquire Avecia Biologics. Financial terms were not disclosed. The company has been making small amounts of biotech drugs for use in patient tests of experimental treatments for heart disease, blood disorders and cancers for a number of companies since 1998. It plans to start making a drug for commercial sale. A year ago, Merck launched a new division to develop new brand name and generic biotech drugs, which are grown in cells rather than chemically synthesized like traditional drugs.
