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About our company

We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company

Our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world

For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world — and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities.

Our history

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Sustainability

The heart of our work

Supporting the future of our business and the health and well-being of patients, people and communities around the world.

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Leadership

The team that guides our passion

Our leaders focus on our purpose to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. This is the foundation of everything we do.

Our company by the numbers

69K

employees

Our culture
$13.5B

research and development investment in 2022

Our research
$1.85B

total giving in 2021

Our giving
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Culture & values

Our values are driven by a desire to improve life

We’ve built a culture that embraces scientific excellence, operates with the highest standards of integrity, expands access to our products and employs a diverse workforce that values collaboration.

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History

Our past and our future

For 130 years, we’ve focused on not just the next quarter, but the next quarter century.

Get to know us through our stories

Learn about the heartbeat of our company.

View our stories

Diversity and inclusion strengthen everything we do

From fostering an inclusive and supportive culture to working with diverse suppliers, diversity and inclusion are integral to helping us better serve patients

Read more

Next: Diversity and inclusion strengthen everything we do

Macrocyclic peptides: the next wave of drug discovery

Merck scientists say the “Goldilocks” chemical modality could lead to new ways to impact disease

Read more

Next: Macrocyclic peptides: the next wave of drug discovery

Taking on Zaire ebolavirus

How science and innovation fuel our efforts to help combat a rare but potentially deadly disease

Read more

Next: Taking on Zaire ebolavirus

How we’re collaborating to address antimicrobial resistance – and why we can’t do it alone

Shared commitments like the AMR Action Fund are vital to make progress against this public health threat

Read more

Next: How we’re collaborating to address antimicrobial resistance – and why we can’t do it alone

Improving diversity in clinical trials through Beacon of Hope

Unique collaboration expands our clinical trials efforts to four Historically Black Medical School Clinical Trial Centers of Excellence

Read more

Next: Improving diversity in clinical trials through Beacon of Hope

Diversity and inclusion strengthen everything we do

From fostering an inclusive and supportive culture to working with diverse suppliers, diversity and inclusion are integral to helping us better serve patients

Read more

Next: Diversity and inclusion strengthen everything we do

Macrocyclic peptides: the next wave of drug discovery

Merck scientists say the “Goldilocks” chemical modality could lead to new ways to impact disease

Read more

Next: Macrocyclic peptides: the next wave of drug discovery

Taking on Zaire ebolavirus

How science and innovation fuel our efforts to help combat a rare but potentially deadly disease

Read more

Next: Taking on Zaire ebolavirus

How we’re collaborating to address antimicrobial resistance – and why we can’t do it alone

Shared commitments like the AMR Action Fund are vital to make progress against this public health threat

Read more

Next: How we’re collaborating to address antimicrobial resistance – and why we can’t do it alone

Improving diversity in clinical trials through Beacon of Hope

Unique collaboration expands our clinical trials efforts to four Historically Black Medical School Clinical Trial Centers of Excellence

Read more

Next: Improving diversity in clinical trials through Beacon of Hope

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Our areas of focus

We focus on scientific innovation to deliver medicines and vaccines that may help millions of people around the world.

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Oncology

We work to deliver innovations that extend and improve the lives of people with cancer.

Learn about oncology

Vaccines

Vaccines are one of the greatest public health success stories – and we’ve been discovering, developing and delivering vaccines to help prevent disease for over 100 years.

Learn about vaccines

infectious diseases

Infectious diseases

We play an important role in discovering and developing innovative medicines and vaccines to treat and prevent infectious diseases, including HIV and Ebola.

Learn about infectious diseases

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COVID-19

As a company dedicated to saving and improving lives, we have a special responsibility to help in the fight against COVID-19. We’ve been fully committed to developing an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic since it was first recognized.

Learn more about our work in COVID-19

Cardio metabolic diseases

Cardio-metabolic disorders

We are determined to find solutions for the most serious chronic health challenges, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Learn about cardio-metabolic disorders

Discovery & development

We are pushing the boundaries in research where we can make the greatest difference, now and in the future.

Learn about our work

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Merck Animal Health

Merck Animal Health is a research-driven company that develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of veterinary medicines and services.

We offer one of the industry’s most innovative portfolios, spanning products for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all major farm and companion animal species.

Business partnerships and public policies keep our patients in focus

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Business development & licensing

We work with partners, from early-stage science to clinical-stage programs, to deliver new therapies to patients.

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Policies & positions

We support public policies that advance the interests of patients, improve public health and promote access to medicines and innovation.