MSD - a global research-driven pharmaceutical company

The company MERCK SHARP & DOHME IDEA INC. (MSD) is an affiliate of MERCK & CO., INC., Whitehouse Station, N.J., U.S.A. Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of human and animal health products and services. Corporate and international headquarters are located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey. Approximately 40% of Merck’s 53,800 employees work outside of the United States.

Merck traces its origins to Germany in 1668. In 1891, Merck & Co., Inc., U.S.A., was founded in the United States. Since 1919, however, has been an independent U.S. company with absolutely no ties to the German company. Merck began its research program in the 1930’s and rapidly became known for its achievements in pharmaceutical science (vitamins, cortisone, penicillin, and streptomycin). Around the world today, some 4,800 Merck scientists are investigating new products in nearly every field of therapeutic research through eight major research centers.

Merck’s commitment to research is one of the greatest in the pharmaceutical industry. Merck believes in focusing its efforts on the discovery of important new medicines. The company spent almost 1.7 billion USD on research in development in 1997, an increase of 13%, and will further its commitment to research by spending almost 1.9 billion USD in 1998. The discovery of important new medicines remains the cornerstone of our future, and Merck laboratories have never been more productive. Today, our scientists are moving products through our pipeline at a rapid rate and bringing us into new disease categories where there are large, unmet medical needs worldwide. Between 1995 and 1997, we launched nine new products.

Merck’s human health products include therapeutic and preventive agents, generally sold by prescription, for the treatment of human disorders. Among these are:

cholesterol-lowering agents, holding more than 40% of the worldwide “statin” market;
the newest antihypertensive drugs that were the first in a new class of drugs that block a potent hormone called angiotensin II and result in gradual, smooth, 24-hour blood pressure reduction;
nonhormonal medicine for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women;
a medical treatment for symptomatic benign prostate enlargement;
protease inhibitor for the treatment of HIV infection in adults;
ophthalmologicals, the first carbonic anhydrase inhibitor made in a topical (eyedrop) formulation;
and various antibiotics.

Merck also publishes The Merck Manual, the most widely used medical reference book in the world, along with The Merck Index, the authoritative reference source for chemicals, drugs, and biologicals, The Merck Veterinary Manual, and The Merck Manual of Geriatrics; all are highly regarded technical references around the world. In 1997, we introduced The Merck Manual Home Edition, a medical guide based on The Merck Manual that is equally comprehensive but designed for consumers and written in everyday language.

Merck is able to make these contributions because of our business success in providing life-saving, life-improving medicines and vaccines. Merck supports nonprofit organizations through the Merck Company Foundation to improve education and increase knowledge in science, develop codes of ethics for better business practices, improve the quality of life in the communities where we operate, and protect the environment for future generations. Merck’s support of education covers a wide spectrum of programs from grade school to postgraduate training to encourage scientific discovery. 1997 was the 10th anniversary of Merck’s decision to donate Mectizan to treat river blindness (onchocerciasis). Last year, more than 18 million people in Africa and Latin America received this medicine.

Even as health care systems worldwide change rapidly, Merck’s mission remains constant. Our business is improving and preserving human life.