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Research

We run to, not from, the world’s biggest health challenges.

The journey to discovery is guided by science – and inspired by patients

We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. The path to discovery is often unclear, but we are tireless in seeking solutions for some of the world’s most difficult health challenges.

Our work in numbers

~19.2K

people employed in research and development

$13.5B

invested in R&D in 2022

We address the world’s most difficult health challenges, following leading-edge science

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Discovery & development

Step inside Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) where our quest to save and improve lives through research and development begins

B5 - Our pipeline__
Pipeline

We’re focused on inventing new medicines and vaccines to help more people

B5 we work to deliver
Products

Our focus on breakthrough science is working

Clinical trials

Our progress is due in large part to the important and tough scientific questions we set out to answer with our trials and collaborations. We are grateful to the thousands of volunteers who participate in our clinical trials – making this all possible.

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Our commitment to patients is unwavering

As long as there are still patients in hospitals, doctors and nurses desperate to add years to the lives of their patients, and a world where treatments aren’t accessible to all, we will be here, fighting with all we have to deliver more, sooner.

Discovery starts here

Our scientists are applying the latest groundbreaking research technologies and revolutionizing how we discover and develop medicines and vaccines

View our stories

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

Our Q2 2023 earnings report

Merck’s (NYSE: MRK) Q2 2023 results reflect sustained underlying growth. Our company announced Q2 worldwide sales of $15.0 billion, an increase of 3% from Q2 2022. “We continue to make great progress as we advance our broad and deep pipeline, raise the bar of innovation, and bring forward leading-edge science to save and improve lives […]

Read more

Next: Our Q2 2023 earnings report

Podcast: Why neuroscience is the ‘final frontier’

Listen as specialists from Merck discuss what they’re most excited about in researching potential treatments for neurologic disorders

Read more

Next: Podcast: Why neuroscience is the ‘final frontier’

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

Our Q2 2023 earnings report

Merck’s (NYSE: MRK) Q2 2023 results reflect sustained underlying growth. Our company announced Q2 worldwide sales of $15.0 billion, an increase of 3% from Q2 2022. “We continue to make great progress as we advance our broad and deep pipeline, raise the bar of innovation, and bring forward leading-edge science to save and improve lives […]

Read more

Next: Our Q2 2023 earnings report

Podcast: Why neuroscience is the ‘final frontier’

Listen as specialists from Merck discuss what they’re most excited about in researching potential treatments for neurologic disorders

Read more

Next: Podcast: Why neuroscience is the ‘final frontier’

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Protecting animal health

Our Animal Health business is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them.