Innovation

Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

Shuvayu Sen, Ph.D., shared how our real-world evidence research uses data to analyze patient journeys and risk prediction models for early lung cancer detection

March 23, 2026

In the fight against lung cancer, early detection can be critical. While some countries have previously rolled out national lung cancer screening programs, in many cases, participation was low. This reality is one of the drivers behind Mission Lung Cancer, our collective effort to break down the barriers that stand in the way of early detection of lung cancer.

At the heart of our commitment to early lung cancer detection is one of our powerful contributions: scientific insights. Our real-world evidence (RWE) research uses patient-level data to analyze patient journeys and risk prediction models. This enables us to better understand diagnostic pathways and identify opportunities that may help facilitate early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.

We spoke with Shuvayu Sen, Ph.D., vice president, oncology value and implementation outcomes research, about the importance of using RWE.

What is RWE and why does it matter?

Sen: RWE is generated through the analysis of real-world data or health information routinely collected from sources such as electronic health records (EHR), registries and insurance claims. Alongside data from clinical trials, real-world data matters because it may provide contextual insights that are not possible in a controlled setting.

How is your team using RWE in lung cancer research?

Sen: Our applicable areas of research include continuing to address smoking as the leading risk factor for lung cancer while identifying additional contributing risk factors — pinpointing moments to engage at-risk individuals and building explainable risk prediction models, including for non-small cell lung cancer. Our research on the patient journey can help show where delays in care may occur, such as low screening uptake, missed follow-ups on imaging or coordination gaps between care teams.

What have you learned from RWE in lung cancer?

Photo of Merck colleagues Shuvayu Sen and Melissa Santorelli walking in the office — Sen (left) with colleague Melissa Santorelli, Ph.D., MPH, at our global headquarters.

Sen: As part of our analysis of one institution’s EHR database, we identified underutilization of low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans as an unmet need in the diagnostic pathway. Our research also showed potential for electronic medical record data to help identify patients who may be at risk of developing lung cancer. Looking ahead, we aim to explore options that could support earlier detection by leveraging this data. These insights point to potentially meaningful opportunities across the oncology ecosystem and beyond.

How else are we helping to advance research in this space?

Sen: We believe it’s critical to advance this work through research outside our company, as shared insights and investigator-led research are equally essential to accelerating innovation. That’s why we expanded our Merck Investigator Studies Program (MISP) to support independent research.

The MISP program evaluates tools and methods for lung cancer risk assessment and explores new technologies, like artificial intelligence (AI) and digital diagnostics, with the goal of improving early detection and diagnosis of lung cancer.

Together, our real-world evidence and MISP-supported research have the potential to reshape how and when lung cancer may be detected.

Learn more about Mission Lung Cancer.

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Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

New grants to help improve global access to care

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Innovation

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

Our scientists harness AI and machine learning in small molecule lead optimization

March 19, 2026

illustration of people in lab coats looks at shapes and objects floating

In the lead optimization phase, scientists fine-tune early molecules in the hopes of finding a molecule that might one day become a medicine.

Traditionally, this stage takes months, and most drug candidates never make it to clinical testing. But advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), including our new AI foundation model KERMT, could help change that.

What is KERMT and how is it transforming small molecule research?

Developed in collaboration with Nvidia, KERMT, pronounced “Kermit” and short for Kinetic GROVER Multi-Task, is a deep-learning computer model trained on more than 11 million molecules. It learns from patterns in vast amounts of chemical data with the goal of helping scientists better predict how a molecule will behave in the body, potentially spotting issues much earlier and reducing the need for months of lab work.

KERMT isn’t just helping our researchers; as an open-source model, its code is available to the whole scientific community.

How AI models can impact drug development timelines

In a recent interview with Healthcare Brew, Senior Director of Data Science Alan Cheng said AI is already “speeding up the early stages of drug development dramatically.”

“AI is sometimes cutting timelines by 30% or more, improving drug candidate quality and reducing costs,” Cheng said. “This is a very meaningful acceleration. While clinical trials remain lengthy, our models are enabling faster identification of disease targets and optimized compounds, which should increase probability of success and shorten preclinical phases.”

Open-source AI for the scientific community

AI/ML is evolving at an incredible pace: access to relevant data is growing, computing power is expanding and deep-learning algorithms are rapidly improving. Advances like KERMT can give teams a powerful new way to make better informed decisions and focus their time on the most promising drug candidates.

These changes have the potential to create unprecedented opportunities to speed and strengthen the discovery of new drugs — with the goal of bringing safer, more effective medicines to patients faster.

KERMT is available on Nvidia accelerated computing and software, including platforms like Nvidia BioNeMo and Clara Open Models.

Watch to learn more about how Merck is using AI/ML for small molecule lead optimization

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Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

New grants to help improve global access to care

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Sustainability

New grants to help improve global access to care

Merck is supporting community-led efforts to improve sustainable access to health care through $10 million in new grants

March 19, 2026

photo of mother holding a a baby and they're smiling at each other

We’re working to boost people’s access to health around the world with a series of new global grants — from strengthening dengue prevention in Southeast Asia to improving maternal health outcomes in Tanzania, and more.

We recently awarded the grants, totaling more than $10 million, to 44 non‑governmental organizations across 32 countries. The projects will support community‑led efforts to improve sustainable access to high‑quality health care (view the full list of grant recipients). These investments will help:

Expand care in underserved communities
Support screening, prevention and treatment efforts
Train health care workers
Close gaps in care through education, care navigation and digital tools

“By investing in community-led efforts, we aim to help more people gain sustainable access to essential health services while closing gaps in care.”

Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Ph.D., MPH
VP and head of social impact and sustainability

Social impact and sustainability grantees

The grants are awarded through two programs created to improve access to health globally: Solutions for Healthy Communities and Merck for Mothers. We developed Solutions for Healthy Communities based on the belief that local organizations are best positioned to create meaningful, lasting change for their communities. Merck for Mothers is our global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life.

two farmers carrying baskets while harvesting rice in Southeast Asia

Some examples of projects we’re excited to support starting in 2026 include:

Patient education and navigation for uninsured community members in the U.S.: Community Volunteers in Medicine (Pennsylvania) will provide care navigation, preventive health education, referrals and coordinated follow‑up for approximately 30 uninsured patients per month following hospital or emergency department discharge. The program aims to reach more than 5,500 individuals and train 100 health care workers to help address care gaps affecting an estimated 35,000 uninsured community members.
Strengthening dengue outbreak response in Southeast Asia: Asia Dengue Voice and Action Ltd. will deploy a digital platform to provide health care workers with real‑time data and improved access to public health resources, enabling faster and more targeted dengue prevention and response across high‑risk communities.
Targeted interventions to improve maternal health outcomes in Tanzania: Pathfinder will expand access to high‑quality maternal health care across 60 facilities in Morogoro, a region with one of Tanzania’s highest maternal mortality ratios (>75 per 100,000 live births). Using a hub‑and‑spoke model, digital tools, and partnership with local government, the initiative will strengthen service delivery, referrals, supervision, data use and the provider–client experience.
Improving continuity of maternal care for vulnerable women in Romania: UNICEF will equip community nurses with standardized digital tools to monitor pregnancies and coordinate care by adding a dedicated pre‑ and postnatal module to the Aplicația Medicală Comunitară platform. This approach will help address gaps in maternal care for rural populations facing provider shortages and fragmented referral pathways.

“By empowering women to seek care sooner and educating frontline health care workers about cancer, lives can be saved and families will thrive,” said Jennifer Dent, president and CEO of BIO Ventures for Global Health, one of this year’s recipients. The organization is working to improve breast and cervical cancer outcomes in Nigeria and Kenya by strengthening the community health workforce, empowering communities with health knowledge and communicating project impacts to inform policy and practice.

Learn more about our sustainability efforts.

2026 global grants

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Solutions for Healthy Communities grant recipients

United States (including Puerto Rico) 

Community Volunteers in Medicine
Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services
I Be Black Girl
New England Medical Association
The Foundation for Delaware County
Tigerlily Foundation
Trenton Health Team, Inc.
Trinitas Foundation
VOCES Coalicion de Vacunacion de PR
YWCA Northern New Jersey

Latin America

Fondo de las Naciones Unidas Para la Infancia, Colombia
Fundacion Peruana de Cancer, Peru
Pro Mujer, Inc., Mexico and Argentina
Sociedade Beneficente Israelita Brasileira Hospital Albert Einstein, Brazil
United Nations Population Fund, Dominican Republic

Europe and Canada

Asociatia Coalitia Organizatiilor Pacientilor cu Afectiuni Cronice, Romania
International Organization for Migration, Slovakia
PHA Europe, European Pulmonary Hypertension Association, Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Bosnia-Herzegovina
Social Innovation Wien, Austria
Tunne rintasi ry, Finland

Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa

BIO Ventures for Global Health, Kenya and Nigeria
Caritas Egypt, Egypt
Childhood Cancer Society of Ghana, Ghana
Global Health Development GHD|EMPHNET, Iraq
Population Services International, Ethiopia
The Israeli Lung Cancer Foundation, Israel
World Learning, Inc., Algeria

Japan, China and Asia Pacific

Access Health International, Inc., India
Asia Dengue Voice and Action Ltd, Thailand and Philippines
Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Thailand
Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia, Malaysia
Youth Link Social Enterprise Company Limited, Vietnam

Merck for Mothers grant recipients

Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa

UNICEF, Kazakhstan
UNICEF, Turkiye
Pathfinder, Tanzania

Europe and Canada

UNICEF, Romania
White Ribbon Alliance, United Kingdom
Think-tank for Action on Social Change, Ireland

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Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

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Our people

From crosswords to cancer research

Rebecca Goldstein applies similar problem-solving and pattern-finding skills to immuno-oncology drug discovery that she uses to create crossword puzzles in her spare time

March 12, 2026

Rebecca Goldstein is an accomplished crossword puzzle creator, but her most challenging puzzle is the one she’s dedicated her career to solving: how to cure cancer. Working in drug discovery, Goldstein, Ph.D., finds that her passions for tackling diseases and creating crossword puzzles reveal surprising parallels.

“While seemingly significantly different, they both require ingenuity, agility and strategic critical-thinking and problem-solving skills,” said Goldstein, senior principal scientist at Merck.

She began creating crosswords in 2020 during the pandemic when her wife suggested she find a hobby. Since then, Goldstein’s published nearly 300 crosswords, including in The New York Times, where she’s created seven (and counting) Sunday puzzles.

“It’s really satisfying when things make sense. In both science and crosswords, I’m trying to find those ‘aha moments,’ those times when things really come together,” said Goldstein.

Cancer drug discovery

On average, it takes about 10 years to develop one new medicine. The first part of that process is discovery. Goldstein is focused on immuno-oncology discovery, seeking new ways to harness the immune system to kill tumors.

“We’re trying to identify the target — a specific protein on a cancer cell — and then develop a drug-like molecule to hit that target and stop the cancer’s progression,” said Goldstein.

And while designing a crossword is much quicker, she sees similarities in the process.

Finding the patterns

For Goldstein, both science and crossword puzzles begin with pattern recognition.

“When creating a crossword, I first work on a theme, which involves looking for patterns that could connect a series of answers,” she said. “In the lab, I’m also looking for patterns — for example, how and where proteins are expressed on cells and tissues. We’ll then screen hundreds of molecular candidates to find the one that we think will hit the target best. It’s similar to sifting through hundreds of words to identify which ones fit my crossword theme.”

Iteration and refinement drive progress

Iteration is central to both pursuits for Goldstein. In research, that may mean adjusting molecules based on results of experiments. In crosswords, it means determining where to put each word, the best placement for the black squares and how to formulate a layout that makes the puzzle fun and challenging.

“At the end of the day, I want solvers to enjoy it, to feel accomplished and that their time was well spent,” Goldstein said.

Putting patients first

In the lab, Goldstein always puts patients first. It’s a mindset that was deeply embedded early in her career when some of the first molecules she helped discover proceeded to clinical trials.

“It’s humbling to realize that something you worked on has the potential to help people,” Goldstein said. “Clinical trial participants are making an important contribution for science. As scientists, we need to approach this work with a careful eye and be very good at what we do.”

Collaboration strengthens ideas and outcomes

This includes collaboration, as breakthroughs rarely happen alone.

“Having other minds and perspectives can really elevate an idea,” said Goldstein. “People have different backgrounds and areas of expertise, which are helpful in running the best experiments with the best controls.”

She said the same is true even when she has a solo crossword byline: “I’ll ask one of my fellow crossword creators questions similar to those we ask in the lab, ‘Hey, does this make sense to you? Am I stretching too far? Does it really work?’”

When it clicks: breakthrough moments

Although it takes a lot of work to get there, Goldstein savors the moment when everything suddenly comes together.

She recalls one of those times in the lab when data from multiple teams aligned: “We took the totality of the data and everything lined up. The whole thing just made beautiful sense. It was like a perfect study.”

Goldstein said crossword inspiration comes from similar “aha moments” in her everyday life — in conversation, in TV dialogue, at work and even in solving other crosswords. She builds on the moment to create a puzzle that appeals to the widest audience.

“I want to open the tent and make room for more people to come in and enjoy the puzzle — the more likely people are to find something that represents them or that they can relate to, I’m all for it,” said Goldstein.

And, in case you’re wondering, Goldstein is also an impressive crossword puzzle solver. Her personal best on a Sunday New York Times crossword is under six minutes!

When crosswords meet chemistry

Goldstein sometimes weaves scientific themes or words into her crosswords. In fact, the theme of her first ever New York Times puzzle was “salt shaker” and included rebuses — a word or group of letters written inside a single square — of anagrams of NaCl, the chemical name for salt.

Check out her latest New York Times puzzles, published Feb. 15 and March 20.

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Innovation

We’re teaming up with Eisai to help fight cancer

How we're leveraging each other’s unique strengths to help advance cancer research

March 12, 2026

scientists wearing masks working in a lab

Combining two ambitious research teams to form a united front to help people with cancer

It’s sometimes said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. That’s why in 2018 we teamed up with Eisai, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan, to work together to advance cancer research.

“Combining Merck’s leadership in oncology with Eisai’s strengths in small molecules allows us to advance combination approaches that have the potential to help more people living with challenging cancers,” said Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki, vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories.

“There’s still an unmet need for many patients with cancer. These patients and their families are in need of more treatment options, and this remains at the forefront of our collaborative efforts.”

Dr. Takashi Owa
Head of external innovation, Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL), Eisai Co., Ltd.

Together, we’re striving to drive cancer science forward, and this shared vision has led to multiple clinical trials investigating the companies’ combination treatment options in various tumor types.

Through this comprehensive approach, we’ve been expanding our clinical research to help as many cancer patients as possible.

Why did you decide to go into oncology research?

“My decision was very personal,” said Owa. “At the age of six, my grandmother passed away from gastric cancer. I couldn’t fully process what had happened to her at that young age. It wasn’t until I entered junior high school that I began to understand the toll cancer had taken on her, which motivated me to learn about cancer and find my passion in cancer research.”

Lubiniecki’s experience was also very personal.

“Watching my mother recover from breast cancer while I was in high school exposed me to the challenges patients face when battling cancer. These experiences inspired me to ultimately pursue oncology,” he said. “Oncology clinical research offers an opportunity to impact the practice of medicine greatly.”

Looking to the future

“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together in our pursuit to investigate additional options for patients across a broad range of cancer types through our robust clinical research,” said Lubiniecki.

Owa is optimistic about the progress the two teams have made together. “We’ve already seen encouraging anti-tumor activity in several difficult-to-treat cancers, which has led to multiple milestones to date,” he said. “As we continue to enhance our knowledge and scientific evidence through our ongoing clinical research efforts, together, we aim to give patients and their families hope.”

Lubiniecki believes that collaborations are important to continuing to advance cancer research and improve the outcomes of people with cancer.

“A collaborative approach is key to advancing science and making strides in drug discovery and development.”

Dr. Gregory Lubiniecki
Vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories

“Working with others driven by the same patient-centric goals can yield innovations and is imperative to continued progress in improving patient care,” said Lubiniecki. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this collaboration as we continue to advance and expand our clinical research.”

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Health awareness

Notes of resilience: A musician’s journey with head and neck cancer

One singer-songwriter found the strength to keep going after his head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis by accepting help and embracing love and music

March 10, 2026

In 2023, Jon Michaels was happily balancing the joys and routines of life – from his publishing job and his passion for music as a singer-songwriter to cherishing moments with his wife, Jeannie, and their daughter, Jennings.

One day, Michaels noticed a painless lump in his neck. Since it didn’t affect his ability to sing, talk, eat or drink, he initially dismissed it. When the lump persisted, he was urged to see a doctor who conducted a biopsy and surgically removed the lump. Then came the news that changed his life forever – Michaels was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. He now had to face the impact of this diagnosis on his life, his loved ones – and his music.

“I was wondering, ‘How would I react if I were to be diagnosed with cancer?’” he said. “That day, I found out.”

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer describes tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx, nose, sinuses and mouth. In 2022, there were more than 947,000 cases of head and neck cancer worldwide. These data include cancers of the salivary glands, hypopharynx, oropharynx, nasopharynx, larynx, lip and oral cavity. Michaels’ diagnosis, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, is the most common type of head and neck cancer and begins in the flat, squamous cells that make up the thin mucosal lining of the head and neck.

Michaels’ painless lump is a common symptom of this disease. Other symptoms may include a sore in the mouth that won’t heal, coughing up blood and pain when swallowing.

The power of support in Michaels’ cancer fight

After his diagnosis, Michaels and his wife discussed a treatment plan with the doctor.

“He started by saying, ‘I have good news and bad news. The good news was that we can treat your cancer, with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The bad news is that it will be tough,’” Michaels said. “That was hard to process.”

As Michaels started treatment, he was concerned about how it may affect his ability to pursue music.

“That worried me, as music was so much a part of my life,” he said.

Michaels faced both physical and emotional challenges during his treatment, reaching a point where he almost wanted to give up.

However, his wife refused to let him. She inspired him to remain strong and encouraged him to accept help during this difficult time. Even his therapist advised him: “Let the people who love you, love you.” Those words taught Michaels to accept support from his neighbors, friends and family.

“My support group were the real heroes in this experience,” he said.

While others handled life’s daily tasks for him, such as sending meals, mowing the lawn, helping with chores and transportation to appointments, Michaels focused on fighting this disease.

These acts of kindness got him through his toughest days, allowing him to recover and channel his emotions into music, even writing a song to reflect on his cancer experience.

Strengthening our commitment to patients with cancer

Stories of support, like Michaels’, underscore why patients are our inspiration as we continue to pursue the fight against cancer. His journey is an important reminder to turn to a supportive network during trying times.

“The most rewarding part was the overwhelming love shown by my family, friends and strangers,” he said. “Trust in the care and fight when they tell you to fight.”

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Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

New grants to help improve global access to care

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Health awareness

How collaboration can help enable early detection of lung cancer

Learn about our work with the American Cancer Society

February 18, 2026

two people with lab coats looking at an medical scan.

Through our Mission Lung Cancer initiative, we’re bringing together our efforts to break down barriers that stand in the way of early lung cancer detection. Our approach is rooted in strategic collaboration, scientific insights and innovative technology.

One program that’s part of Mission Lung Cancer is the American Cancer Society’s Get Screened initiative. Since 2020, we’ve worked with the ACS to help advance early detection for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers through Get Screened.

In 2024, our involvement in this collaboration expanded to include a focus on early detection of lung cancer. Through this initiative, Merck supports the ACS’s efforts to provide screening navigation services, mobile screening units and access to free or low-cost screening options for eligible people* who are uninsured or underinsured.

“Together with the American Cancer Society, we’re focused on supporting initiatives that elevate the importance of early lung cancer detection and helping eligible individuals get access to screening. We’re proud to support efforts to raise awareness around this disease that impacts millions of people each year.”

Josette Gbemudu
Associate vice president, patient health innovation

The Get Screened campaign is already making an impact, with more than 362,400 additional breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer screenings conducted. The ACS also aims to raise $30 million to further expand access through outreach, technology and infrastructure.

We joined the Get Screened campaign to help increase cancer screening rates in the U.S., and recently focused specifically on lung cancer, as it’s the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide.**

However, in the U.S., only 18.2% of those eligible underwent lung cancer screening in 2022. Alongside screenings, knowing the signs and symptoms of cancer can potentially help increase the chance of finding the disease before it spreads.

“This work highlights the power of collaboration between advocacy and industry. Together, we’re helping to build a path for the future where every person at risk receives timely information and resources, empowering them to lead healthier lives.”

Shane Jacobson
CEO, American Cancer Society

Our collaboration with the ACS is one of several initiatives under Mission Lung Cancer, all to advance our mission to help enable early detection of lung cancer to help ensure patients get timely care.

Learn more about Mission Lung Cancer.

*per the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines
**World Health Organization – GLOBOCAN 2022

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Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

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Innovation

How wearable technology powers patient-focused drug development

Our scientists are exploring the use of sensor-based technologies and digital clinical measures to improve disease understanding

February 10, 2026

Sensor-based digital technologies like smartwatches and other wearables have surged in popularity in recent years. People are easily and conveniently tracking physical activity, sleep and other health-related data — including information that’s helpful for scientists developing new medicines.

At Merck, scientists in our digital clinical measures group are using these sensor-based tools in clinical trials to collect objective measurements which were previously difficult or impossible to obtain. Now, measurements from patients outside the clinic, including at home and work, can provide data that’s more reflective of their everyday lives — deepening our understanding of disease and enabling more efficient and patient-centric drug development.

What are digital clinical measures, and why do we use them?

Digital clinical measures are specific, objective measures of biology, health, behavior or treatment response that are generated via sensor signals from digital technologies processed with algorithms. These measures can be derived from data collected during active task-based assessments, such as timed walk or hand-turning tests performed with wearable sensors, or through passive monitoring, where data are captured continuously as part of everyday activities like walking or sleeping.

Unlike some traditional clinical study endpoints that require lengthy in-clinic exams or patients or caregivers to remember symptoms over days or weeks, sensor-based technologies can objectively and remotely track metrics of health, behavior and treatment response over time. They can also provide more precise measures compared to traditional clinical rating scales.

“Digital clinical measures can augment traditional study endpoints and allow us to collect richer, more frequent data that better reflect how patients live and function day to day.”

Marissa Dockendorf, Ph.D.
Head of digital clinical measures

“In addition to using digital health technologies — or DHTs — to enhance the data we capture in clinical trials, we’re focused on developing more objective and precise measures from these technologies,” added Dockendorf. “These advancements can enable us to understand more quickly, or with fewer clinical trial participants, whether our drug candidates are working, which ultimately can support our ability to deliver medicines to patients faster.”

Collaborating to advance the field of digital measures

We’re working with partners including the Critical Path for Parkinson’s Consortia, the Digital Medicine Society, the University of Oxford and Koneksa Health to advance development of digital clinical measures. These collaborations focus on furthering the digital endpoint field as well as identifying promising digital measures that may improve how we assess disease progression in patients with Parkinson’s disease and, potentially, how we evaluate the efficacy of investigational therapies.

“Digital endpoints hold tremendous promise to transform how we measure and understand health in clinical research,” said Dockendorf. “To fully realize that promise, collaboration is essential as we lay the important groundwork needed to develop measures that are valid, reliable and capable of making a meaningful impact in drug development.”

Digital clinical measures in action in Parkinson's disease

Our researchers are exploring the use of digital health technologies to measure motor function in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease. Wearable sensor arrays — devices equipped with multiple sensors worn on the body to capture comprehensive data — can provide a wide range of motor function measures, such as gait and turn speed. Collecting data from these technologies over time may provide a clearer understanding of how motor function changes over time and with treatment as compared to traditional endpoints based on categorical rating scales.

Innovation

Our Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results

February 3, 2026

Merck’s (NYSE: MRK) Q4 and full-year 2025 sales performance reflects strength across oncology and animal health, as well as increasing contributions from new launches. Our company announced Q4 worldwide sales of $16.4 billion. Full-year 2025 worldwide sales were $65.0 billion.

“In 2025, we continued to advance leading-edge science to deliver transformative medicines and vaccines that are improving health outcomes for patients around the world,” said Rob Davis, chairman and CEO. “Our business benefited from demand for our innovative portfolio, including for KEYTRUDA, increasing contributions from new launches in cardiometabolic and respiratory as well as vaccines, and strong performance of Animal Health. The transformation of our portfolio, bolstered by the acquisitions of Verona Pharma and Cidara Therapeutics, is well underway, and momentum is building as we continue to execute on our strategy. Our progress positions us to continue delivering on our purpose for patients and creating durable value for shareholders.”

Merck anticipates full-year 2026 worldwide sales to be between $65.5 billion and $67.0 billion.

Listen to the sales and earnings call

Read the press release

4Q and full year financial highlights for Merck

Download infographic

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Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

New grants to help improve global access to care

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Innovation

5 ways we’re transforming artificial intelligence into impact

We’re applying AI across our company to help us work smarter and faster so we can reach patients sooner

January 9, 2026

At Merck, we’re in the business of knowledge, insights and innovation — rooted in intelligence.

Today, artificial intelligence (AI) — or what could also be “automated”, “accelerated” or “augmented” intelligence — lies not only in software and computer systems, but in the data, development and delivery of these intelligent tools to achieve better outcomes for patients.

Here are five ways we’re using AI to drive our purpose of saving and improving lives around the world.

01.

Accelerating the discovery of new medicines

Drug discovery remains an endeavor where only about 1 in 10 drug candidates that enter clinical trials ultimately receive regulatory approval. We’re working to change that by enabling scientists to use AI and machine learning (ML) foundation models to enhance and build upon their existing approaches to drug design before experimental testing and clinical trials.

We recently developed two foundation models which uncover patterns in disease to find better drug targets, allow faster molecular design and rapidly test small molecules, including cyclic peptides, for efficacy and toxicity before going into the clinic.

By unlocking patterns within vast datasets, these AI models enable our scientists to accelerate the discovery of leading therapeutic candidates — a process that normally takes 10 years — allowing us to potentially get therapies to patients faster without compromising scientific rigor.

02.

Optimizing clinical trials

Enrolling people in clinical trials and keeping them engaged once they’ve signed up remains a significant challenge across our industry, with approximately 20% of activated sites failing to enroll a single participant. We’re addressing this by using AI to help improve site selection, patient matching and retention. For example, predictive models can flag patients at higher risk of dropping out, enabling targeted interventions that improve retention and keep trials on track.

03.

Automating workflows to improve productivity

Our enterprise-wide training program helps employees understand the latest digital technology, including generative and agentic AI, and learn how to use it responsibly. Our proprietary AI platform — which more than 80% of our workforce uses — applies large language models to enable employees to automate, simplify and digitize processes that historically took more time, freeing us up to prioritize more impactful work.

Illustration of people looking at workflow chart

04.

Modernizing manufacturing

Generative AI helps protect our supply chain when potentially disruptive events like natural disasters or port delays occur. Our systems can produce event-based risk assessments in under 30 minutes — allowing us to quickly see which products and sites are affected and act to avoid or reduce shortages and delays.

In vaccine manufacturing, we’re using computer vision — another form of AI — to inspect vials and syringes for defects. This results in less waste, lower costs and higher production speed.

05.

Streamlining education and engagement with health care providers

We’re using AI to streamline information for providers and patients to ensure we deliver the right details to the right people when it matters most.

We’ve embedded AI across the content life cycle — from conception through medical, legal and regulatory review — so that we can organize messages more intelligently. The result: higher quality, personalized content that gets to health care providers faster.

Supporting this is our generative AI-powered chatbot for our field representatives. It summarizes relevant insights and helps us respond in real time to provider needs.

It all starts with data

Data powers AI. We have a vast repository of proprietary and secure data, but for it to be usable, it must first be structured and organized.

We’re continuously working to create a frictionless data flow so AI can reliably and accurately drive faster, more targeted and personalized outcomes.

Data is critical to our business strategy and to our pipeline. When our data is high-quality, well-manicured and organized to support powerful insights, we can make more accurate and intelligent predictions — and move faster to deliver the medicines and vaccines patients are waiting for.

Expert Q&A: The role of real-world evidence in lung cancer detection

What is RWE and why does it matter?

How is your team using RWE in lung cancer research?

What have you learned from RWE in lung cancer?

How else are we helping to advance research in this space?

Our AI model KERMT is helping to advance drug discovery

What is KERMT and how is it transforming small molecule research?

How AI models can impact drug development timelines

Open-source AI for the scientific community

Watch to learn more about how Merck is using AI/ML for small molecule lead optimization

New grants to help improve global access to care

“By investing in community-led efforts, we aim to help more people gain sustainable access to essential health services while closing gaps in care.”

Social impact and sustainability grantees

2026 global grants

Solutions for Healthy Communities grant recipients

Merck for Mothers grant recipients

From crosswords to cancer research

Cancer drug discovery

Finding the patterns

Iteration and refinement drive progress

Putting patients first

Collaboration strengthens ideas and outcomes

When it clicks: breakthrough moments

When crosswords meet chemistry

We’re teaming up with Eisai to help fight cancer

Combining two ambitious research teams to form a united front to help people with cancer

“There’s still an unmet need for many patients with cancer. These patients and their families are in need of more treatment options, and this remains at the forefront of our collaborative efforts.”

Why did you decide to go into oncology research?

Looking to the future

“A collaborative approach is key to advancing science and making strides in drug discovery and development.”

Notes of resilience: A musician’s journey with head and neck cancer

What is head and neck cancer?

The power of support in Michaels’ cancer fight

Strengthening our commitment to patients with cancer

How collaboration can help enable early detection of lung cancer

“This work highlights the power of collaboration between advocacy and industry. Together, we’re helping to build a path for the future where every person at risk receives timely information and resources, empowering them to lead healthier lives.”

How wearable technology powers patient-focused drug development

What are digital clinical measures, and why do we use them?

“Digital clinical measures can augment traditional study endpoints and allow us to collect richer, more frequent data that better reflect how patients live and function day to day.”

Collaborating to advance the field of digital measures

Digital clinical measures in action in Parkinson's disease

Our Q4 and full-year 2025 financial results

5 ways we’re transforming artificial intelligence into impact

Here are five ways we’re using AI to drive our purpose of saving and improving lives around the world.

Accelerating the discovery of new medicines

Optimizing clinical trials

Automating workflows to improve productivity

Modernizing manufacturing

Streamlining education and engagement with health care providers

It all starts with data

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