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Merck

Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company that develops and manufactures healthcare, life science, and performance materials products.

Categories

Pharma and Life Sciences  

#35

Rank

$278.25B

Marketcap

US United States

Country

Merck
Leadership team

George Merck (Founder)

Theodore Weicker (Founder)

Sanat Chattopadhyay (Executive vice president and president, Merck Manufacturing Division)

Richard R. DeLuca, Jr. (Executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health)

Industries

Pharma and Life Sciences

Products/ Services
Pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, contact lenses, Veterinary medicine
Number of Employees
Above 50,000
Headquarters
Rahway, New Jersey , U.S.
Established
1891
Company Type
Private company limited by shares or Ltd
Company Registration
SEC CIK number: 0001220372
Net Income
1B - 20B
Revenue
Above - 1B
Traded as
MRK
Social Media
Overview
Location
Summary

Merck & Co., Inc., recognized as MSD beyond the borders of the United States and Canada, stands as a prominent American multinational pharmaceutical enterprise with its headquarters nestled in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Established in 1891, the company has flourished into an exemplar of one of the world's largest and most triumphant pharmaceutical corporations.

Merck's endeavors encompass the development, production, and distribution of an expansive array of prescription medications, vaccines, and animal health solutions. Within its product assortment, one can discover remedies tailored to address a myriad of conditions, spanning cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases. The company's commitment extends to groundbreaking research and the creation of novel treatments, a dedication grounded in the aspiration to enhance the quality of life for patients.

Notable for its unwavering dedication to sustainability and societal well-being, Merck engages actively in initiatives that champion these principles. An ardent focus on innovation and technology is interwoven into the company's fabric, evident through the introduction of diverse tools and resources intended to support customers' healthcare journeys.

Merck's presence in the public domain is manifested through its listing on the New York Stock Exchange, an entity avidly followed by investors and analysts alike. Renowned for its robust financial performance and steady growth trajectory, the company proudly claims membership in esteemed stock market indices, including the illustrious S&P 500 Index. As a trailblazer in the pharmaceutical realm, Merck stands tall, emblematic of a pinnacle of success and influence on a global scale.

History

Merck is a pharmaceutical company with a long history dating back to 1668 when Friedrich Jacob Merck opened a pharmacy in Darmstadt, Germany, under the name Angel Pharmacy. The company's early focus was on producing high-quality chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and it quickly became known for its innovative products and commitment to scientific research. In the late 19th century, Merck expanded its operations to the United States, opening a subsidiary in New York City in 1891, which would later become Merck & Co., Inc. This marked the beginning of Merck's global expansion and its ongoing commitment to improving human health through scientific research and innovation.

In 1892, George Merck, the grandson of the founder, took over the company and led it through a period of significant growth and expansion. Under his leadership, Merck continued to focus on research and innovation, developing several groundbreaking drugs and chemicals, including the first synthetic form of vitamin B1 in 1936. During World War II, Merck played a critical role in producing penicillin, which helped to save countless lives on the battlefield.

Following the war, Merck continued to expand its operations and research capabilities, establishing research facilities in the United States and Europe and developing several new drugs and treatments. In the 1950s, the company introduced several new antibiotics, including streptomycin, which was effective against tuberculosis, and chloramphenicol, which was used to treat typhoid fever. These innovations helped to establish Merck as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry and laid the groundwork for its ongoing commitment to scientific research and innovation.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Merck continued to expand its research capabilities and product offerings, introducing several new drugs and treatments, including the first measles vaccine in 1963. In the 1970s, the company expanded its focus to include the development of drugs for chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, and established several partnerships with other companies and research institutions to further its research and development efforts.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Merck continued to innovate and develop new treatments for a wide range of diseases, including HIV/AIDS and cancer. The company introduced several new drugs, including the first drug to treat HIV/AIDS, and established itself as a leader in the development of drugs for cancer treatment. Merck also continued to expand its global presence, establishing research facilities and manufacturing operations in Asia and other parts of the world. By the end of the 20th century, Merck had become one of the largest and most respected pharmaceutical companies in the world, with a reputation for innovation, quality, and commitment to improving human health.

In the early 2000s, Merck continued to expand its research and development efforts, focusing on developing new drugs and treatments for a wide range of diseases. The company established several partnerships with other companies and research institutions to further its research efforts, and it introduced several new drugs, including the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in 2006.

In more recent years, Merck has continued to innovate and develop new treatments for a variety of diseases, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes. The company has also expanded its focus to include the development of new vaccines and therapies for emerging infectious diseases, such as Ebola and COVID-19. In 2020, Merck announced that it would be collaborating with a number of other pharmaceutical companies and research institutions to develop and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine, reflecting the company's ongoing commitment to improving human health through scientific research and innovation.

Mission

The mission of Merck is to improve human health and well-being through its innovative research, development, and delivery of life-changing medicines, vaccines, and biologic therapies. The company is committed to discovering new treatments and cures for some of the world's most pressing health challenges, and to making these treatments accessible and affordable to people in need around the world.

In pursuing this mission, Merck is guided by a set of core values that include a commitment to excellence in all aspects of its work, a focus on putting patients first, and a dedication to ethical and responsible behavior in all its interactions with customers, employees, and communities. The company also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership, working closely with other companies, academic institutions, and government agencies to achieve its goals and maximize the impact of its research and development efforts. 

Vision

The vision of Merck is to be a global leader in healthcare, improving and extending people's lives. The company aims to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families by delivering innovative, integrated, and personalized healthcare solutions. Merck strives to make a meaningful impact on the world by discovering and developing solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges.

Central to Merck's vision is a focus on patients, understanding their needs and working to develop treatments and cures that improve their health outcomes and quality of life. The company is also committed to being a responsible and ethical corporate citizen, operating with transparency and integrity and working to address social and environmental challenges in the communities where it operates. 

Key Team

Joseph Romanelli (President, Human Health International)

Robert M. Davis (Board Member)

Dave Williams (Executive vice president, chief information & digital officer)

Sanat Chattopadhyay (Executive vice president and president, Merck Manufacturing Division)

Jennifer Zachary (Executive vice president and general counsel)

Richard R. DeLuca, Jr. (Executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health)

Cristal N. Downing (Executive vice president and chief communications & public affairs officer)

Chirfi Guindo (Chief marketing officer, Human Health)

Michael A. Klobuchar (Executive vice president and chief strategy officer)

Dean Y. Li, M.D., Ph.D. (Executive vice president and president, Merck Research Laboratories)

Caroline Litchfield (Executive vice president and chief financial officer)

Steven C. Mizell (Executive vice president and chief human resources officer?)

Jannie Oosthuizen (President, Merck Human Health U.S.)

Recognition and Awards
Merck has received numerous awards and recognitions for its innovative research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. In 2020, the company was named to the Fortune "Change the World" list, which recognizes companies that are using their resources and expertise to address global social and environmental challenges. Merck was recognized for its work in developing a vaccine to prevent Ebola, which played a critical role in containing the 2018-2019 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Merck has also received recognition for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices. The company has been named to several sustainability and ethical business rankings, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, the Ethisphere Institute's "World's Most Ethical Companies" list, and Forbes' "Just 100" list of companies that are committed to social and environmental responsibility. These awards and recognitions reflect Merck's ongoing efforts to make a positive impact on society and the environment through its business practices and operations.
Products and Services

Merck offers a range of products and services in the areas of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and animal health. In the pharmaceuticals area, the company develops and markets drugs to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases. Some of Merck's most well-known drugs include Keytruda, a cancer immunotherapy; Januvia, a diabetes medication; and Zetia, a cholesterol-lowering drug.

Merck is also a leading producer of vaccines, with a range of products designed to prevent infectious diseases such as HPV, shingles, and pneumonia. The company is particularly known for its work in developing vaccines for global health challenges, such as its Ebola vaccine, which played a key role in controlling the 2018-2019 Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the animal health area, Merck offers a range of products and services to promote the health and well-being of livestock and pets. The company's animal health division produces vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and other products designed to prevent and treat a variety of animal diseases, including those that can be transmitted to humans. Merck also offers a range of veterinary services, including diagnostics, consulting, and education programs for veterinarians and animal owners. Overall, Merck's products and services reflect the company's ongoing commitment to improving human and animal health through innovative research and development.

References
Merck
Leadership team

George Merck (Founder)

Theodore Weicker (Founder)

Sanat Chattopadhyay (Executive vice president and president, Merck Manufacturing Division)

Richard R. DeLuca, Jr. (Executive vice president and president, Merck Animal Health)

Industries

Pharma and Life Sciences

Products/ Services
Pharmaceuticals, generic drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, contact lenses, Veterinary medicine
Number of Employees
Above 50,000
Headquarters
Rahway, New Jersey , U.S.
Established
1891
Company Type
Private company limited by shares or Ltd
Company Registration
SEC CIK number: 0001220372
Net Income
1B - 20B
Revenue
Above - 1B
Traded as
MRK
Social Media