DELIVERING ON OUR PROMISE TO PATIENTS

While we are focused on building the Merck of the future, we remain true to our core principle of putting patients first. During this time of economic uncertainty, Merck continues to expand our long-standing commitment to help people get the medicines and vaccines they need. We recently increased the income parameters for the Merck Patient Assistance Program from 200 to 400 percent of the U.S. federal poverty guidelines, providing greater access to our 50-year-old program. More information, including details on our program for prescription discounts, is available online at MerckHelps.com or by calling 1‑800‑50‑MERCK.

One of our latest initiatives is the Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes, a program to help uninsured, underinsured and low-income Americans who have or are at risk for this disease. We are providing $15 million over five years to launch this partnership, which includes grants to help diverse communities around the U.S. better understand and promote effective diabetes prevention and management.

We also remain more committed than ever to supporting reform of this country's healthcare system to help all Americans gain access to quality healthcare. We have rolled up our sleeves to work with the new administration and Congress to support the enactment of common-sense plans to expand coverage, improve quality and ensure that we all get good value for our healthcare dollars.

We also recognize that most people worldwide still lack adequate access to medicines, vaccines and healthcare. We continue to work independently and in partnership with others to improve access to our products for all who can benefit, wherever they live. This makes good business sense. It is also the right thing to do.