DRIVING PERFORMANCE THROUGH OUR PRODUCTS

We are also driving performance by more effectively managing all stages of the lives of our products, from the research phase through marketing and patent expiration, to maximize their potential. This is important from a patient standpoint, as well as from a commercial standpoint. For example, we are:

• Pursuing the expansion of the number of eligible patients for Gardasil and Zostavax;
• Pursuing approval for Isentress as a first-line therapy for treatment of HIV;
• Developing new fixed-dose combinations for Januvia and new formulations for Isentress and Janumet (our combination tablet containing sitagliptin, the active ingredient of Januvia, and metformin); and
• Continuing to invest in outcomes studies that provide new data to enable us to better meet patient needs — for example, for Januvia, MK‑0524A and MK‑0859.

In 2008, the FDA added approval for Gardasil to help protect women against vaginal and vulvar cancers. The FDA also added approval for Janumet as a first-line therapy and for use along with another commonly used diabetes medication.