Merck is committed to disclosing grants to medical professional and patient societies and other organizations to respond to public interest and to broaden the visibility of Merck's support of key stakeholders to advance health, science, community welfare and the economy.

Merck is beginning this disclosure by reporting grants over $500 provided in the third quarter of 2008 by the Company's Global Human Health division to U.S. organizations in support of independent accredited education programs for health care professionals. Click here for Merck's Third-Quarter 2008 Grants Report. Over the course of 2009 Merck will expand this disclosure to include other grants. Merck will update these lists on a quarterly basis.

Also beginning in 2009, Merck will disclose grants made by The Merck Company Foundation and the Merck Office of Corporate Contributions in support of projects in the United States and around the world. For information on these grants and contributions, please visit: http://www.merckcompanyfoundation.org.