BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

These difficult economic times are a challenge to all of us, and to Merck. But this company has been through tough times before, and — thanks in large part to the unmatched quality of our people — has rebounded from those tough times in ways that few other companies have.

2009 will continue a period of fundamental transformation that I believe will establish Merck as a different competitor for the next decade. We look to emerge leaner and more responsive to our customers' needs, and with a pipeline full of significant potential. We are building this new Merck for the new era in which our industry has begun to operate — and most importantly, we are building it for long-term success.

Sincerely,



Dick Clark
Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
February 16, 2009