Our principal economic contribution to society is made through the discovery, development, manufacturing and marketing of our products, which directly improve and maintain the health of individuals and communities around the world, helping them to lead more productive lives.
During 2008, we continued to grow our business with new product indications and formulations, as well as clinical trials that demonstrate their benefits.
In 2008, we advanced 31 candidates to the next clinical development stage. As of July 15, 2009, we had 47 candidates in Phase I-III development.
On January 25, 2008, the FDA approved EMEND® (fosaprepitant dimeglumine) for Injection, 115 mg, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. EMEND for Injection provides a new option for day one, as a substitute for EMEND (125 mg) taken orally, as part of the recommended three-day regimen. Prior to the FDA decision, on January 11, 2008, the European Union ("EU") granted marketing approval for EMEND for Injection, known as IVEMEND in the EU, an action that applies to all 27 EU member countries as well as Norway and Iceland.
In addition, we return value to shareholders in the form of dividends and an active stock repurchase program.
In addition, we return value to shareholders in the form of dividends and an active stock repurchase program. Over the past five years (2003 – 2008), we also paid a total of $12 billion in income taxes worldwide.
Supporting our Communities
Merck also contributes substantial economic and social value to the countries and communities where we operate. Through our local research, manufacturing and sales operations, by purchasing products and services from numerous and diverse suppliers, and by investing in community infrastructure, we generate skilled employment opportunities and market activity that directly and indirectly drive income and economic growth. Through our research activities, Merck contributes to local R&D capacity in the life sciences sector, which is critical to building national competitiveness in the 21st century. By granting licenses for our products and our technical know-how to small- and medium-sized companies, we contribute to their growth and to the local scientific knowledge base. Through our national and local tax payments, which over the last five years (2004-2008) totaled more than US$8.8 billion worldwide, we help support government-financed pensions, health systems and local infrastructure.
In addition, we return value to shareholders in the form of dividends and an active stock repurchase program.
As of April 30, 2009, Merck (including its Banyu subsidiary in Japan) had a physical presence in approximately 80 countries worldwide with approximately 265 research, manufacturing, sales and administration sites. In all of these locations, we recognize that our success depends in large part on our relationships and interactions with lour local communities, including elected officials, business and community leaders, charitable organizations, fence-line neighbors, educators, local media and our employees.
Merck aspires to have a positive impact on the communities in which we operate worldwide and we recognize our responsibility toward those affected directly or indirectly by our operations and activities. We rely on local communities not only for our workforce but also for some of our suppliers and for our ability to do business. Through ongoing engagement and dialogue, we work to understand the concerns and needs of our communities, and we seek to respond by addressing local challenges in ways that build stronger communities and support the sustainability of our business.
We contribute to our communities in three ways:
- Direct and indirect economic contributions such as employment, training, support of local suppliers and local R & D, and paying taxes, as described above.
- Managing our community impacts – for example, by ensuring confidence in environmental and safety performance and respecting human rights; and
- Addressing community needs through philanthropy and community involvement.
Underlying our community approach is our commitment to respecting human rights. As a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, we are committed to protecting and promoting fundamental human rights not only within our immediate workforce, but also within our broader sphere of influence, including within our local communities.
Contributions to Medicine and Society
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
Number of new products approved
|
1
|
2
|
5
|
2
|
|
Number of products in the pipeline (Phase I - III)
|
47
|
49
|
57
|
58
|
|
Philanthropic investment (US$M)
|
821
|
828
|
826
|
1,039
|
Financial Information
|
2008 |
2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
|
Sales (US$M)
|
23,850.3
|
24,197.7
|
22,636.0
|
22,011.9
|
|
Merck investment in R&D programs(US$M)
|
4,805.3
|
4,882.8
|
4,782.9
|
3,848.0
|
|
Number of employees
|
55,200
|
59,800
|
60,000
|
61,000
|
|
Number of stockholders of record (including those holding merck stock in "street name")
|
Approx. 1.2M
|
Approx. 1.2M
|
Approx. 1.2M
|
Approx. 1.2M
|
|
Annual cash dividend paid per share (US$)
|
1.52
|
1.52
|
1.52
|
1.52
|
|
Global tax expense as reported on income statement (US$M)*
|
1,999.4
|
95.3
|
1,787.6
|
2,732
|
Based on developments in the global business environment, our sector and Merck specifically, and considering feedback from multiple stakeholders, we have focused our CR reporting on specific, environmental, social and governance material issues, and provide greater detail on these issues, especially in terms of our challenges, data and targets in the various sections of our CR website:
PDF*).
Printer Friendly Page