DARMSTADT, Germany, Jan  20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced the launch of its new consumer brand Vivera^® in Latin America. Vivera is being launched first in Chile in January 2016, to be followed by several major Latin American markets later in 2016. Vivera provides fast relief from a gastro-intestinal upset by accelerating the natural healing process.

Merck formulated Vivera with B.Aliv^®, one of the most researched and most effective probiotics in the world for the treatment of gastro-intestinal upset, which works by regenerating the intestinal flora. The Vivera food supplement comes in a practical and innovative ready-to-use powder sachet, making it an ideal choice for children and adults to use anywhere on-the-go.

Uta Kemmerich-Keil, President and CEO of the Consumer Health business of Merck, commented: “We truly look forward to launching Vivera! Vivera is a fantastic probiotic product which accelerates the healing process after a gastro-intestinal upset and restores the function of the digestive system naturally. I am confident that we have a truly winning proposition for both children and adults, particularly when looking for natural and effective options.”

Brand transitions from Biopharma to Consumer Health

Also in Latin America, Merck announced a second wave of brand transfers from its Biopharma business to the Consumer Health business. These start from January 2016 onwards in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru and then in 2017 in Chile. The brands involved in the transfer are Anemidox^® / Confer^®, a treatment and prevention of iron deficiency related anemia at every stage of life; and Hepabionta^®, a liver protector.

Uta Kemmerich-Keil explained, “We have decided to transfer these brands as all of them have great potential for consumerization. Leveraging this approach, we will further develop these brands and thereby generate further growth.”

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About Merck’s Consumer Health Business

Brands of the Consumer Health business, such as Dolo-Neurobion^®, Neurobion^®, Bion^®, Seven Seas^®, Nasivin^®, and Femibion^® are innovative leaders in key markets, backed by science and trusted by consumers worldwide. The Consumer Health business is with over 2,700 employees globally active in over 40 markets. Since 2014, the portfolio comprises of brands with annual total sales of about $ 1 billion. Consumer Health is a business of the Healthcare business sector within the Merck Group with global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. For more information please go to www.merck-consumer-health.com 

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 2014, Merck generated sales of € 11.3 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.