Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

Reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol may lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes

August 6, 2026

older woman sitting and talking with doctor

What does high cholesterol mean?

Cholesterol is obtained from food and produced by the liver. It carries out several important functions in our body, including the synthesis of new cells, some hormones and substances that help digest food. There are two kinds of cholesterol: high-density lipids (HDL) and low-density lipids (LDL). Too much LDL cholesterol can pose a problem.

LDL-C, also known as bad cholesterol, is known to combine with fats and other substances leading to the buildup over time of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerotic plaques, on and within the inner walls of arteries. This may increase an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke. People with elevated LDL-C levels in their blood have a condition called hypercholesterolemia.

Certain health conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as behavior and lifestyle factors like smoking, eating a diet high in saturated and trans fats and lack of exercise, have been shown to increase a person’s risk for hypercholesterolemia. Other factors that increase risk include a family history of cardiovascular (CV) disease, older age and gender (women tend to have lower LDL levels than men until ~55 years of age or until menopause).

SEE ONE PATIENT’S JOURNEY: A call to action: Lowering LDL cholesterol

Hypercholesterolemia: a major causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease

Hypercholesterolemia is a leading contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), a condition caused by the buildup of plaque within arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels. This may result in cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke and continues to pose a significant health burden.

The CV epidemic

~24.1%

Adults live with hypercholesterolemia; ~86M adults in the U.S. are affected

~500M

People worldwide are affected by cardiovascular disease

~20.5M

Deaths from cardiovascular disease in 2021; ~900K deaths in the U.S. in 2023

Despite widespread availability of therapeutic interventions, 70% of the patients treated with lipid-lowering therapies are not achieving guideline recommended reductions in LDL cholesterol and, as a result, remain at risk for serious cardiovascular events.

“We have a proud legacy of translating science into medicines that have changed the outlook of CV disease. We continue to build on our nearly 70-year history in advancing research to help address the CV epidemic.”

Dr. Puja Banka
Associate vice president, clinical research and global clinical development

Cardiovascular disease continues to be one of the most serious global health challenges. We strive for scientific excellence and are committed to advancing research for patients impacted by cardiovascular diseases.

“For nearly 70 years, our company has been developing medicines to help address the burden of cardiovascular disease,” said Banka. “Our work combines our deep expertise in scientific excellence and our strong medicinal chemistry capabilities.”

Learn more about our commitment to cardiometabolic and respiratory health.

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Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

Our Q2 2026 financial results

From crosswords to cancer research

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Innovation

Our Q2 2026 financial results

August 4, 2026

Merck’s (NYSE: MRK) Q2 2026 results reflect continued strength in oncology and animal health, plus increasing contributions from launches. Our company announced Q2 worldwide sales of $16.6 billion.

“We continued to make substantial progress across our business this quarter, driven by strong execution and growing contributions from new product launches,” said Rob Davis, chairman and CEO. “The FDA approval of LIPFENDRA is an exciting moment for our company and for patients. Together with key regulatory and clinical advances across oncology, HIV and immunology, this achievement reflects the strength of our pipeline and portfolio transformation as we bring forward the next wave of innovation. I am confident in the ongoing execution of our strategy as we deliver for patients and further enhance our long-term growth trajectory.”

Merck anticipates full-year 2026 worldwide sales to be between $66.3 billion and $67.3 billion.

Take a look at the infographic below for more details on Q2 2026 results.

Listen to the earnings call

Read the press release

Download infographic

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Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

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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

July 22, 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 more than 300 crosswords, including in The New York Times, where she’s created nine (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

Collage of Rebecca Goldstein Senior Principal Scientist, Discovery Oncology, Merck and a crossword puzzle

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.”

Closeup of hand completing a crossword puzzle

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 (5:21, to be exact)!

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 some of her latest New York Times puzzles, published June 9, June 28 and July 22.

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Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

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Health awareness

HPV and related cancers: What you need to know

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of certain types of cervical cancer and other cancers in men and women

July 10, 2026

young adults sitting on the steps of a building

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. There are many different types of HPV.

For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for the very few who do not clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers and other diseases in both men and women. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know who will or will not clear the virus.

What cancers and diseases can be caused by HPV?

HPV can cause certain types of:

cervical cancers
anal cancers
vulvar cancers
vaginal cancers
head and neck cancers
genital warts

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2018 and 2022, tens of thousands of people in the U.S. were diagnosed with certain HPV-related cancers each year.

The impact of HPV-related cancers

Between 2018 and 2022, CDC estimates:

60-70%

of all oropharyngeal cancer (found in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils) may be caused by HPV

~12,300

new HPV-related cervical cancer cases occur in the U.S. each year

“There are steps people can take to be proactive about their health. Men and women should speak with their health care providers to learn more about the link between HPV and certain cancers and diseases.”

— Mel Kohn, M.D., MPH, executive director of medical affairs, Merck

The World Health Organization’s movement towards cervical cancer elimination

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women globally. Important steps have been taken to achieve a world where fewer women are affected by cervical cancer, but more needs to be done.

In 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem.

To help achieve this goal, the WHO provides guidance and tools to support countries in implementing strategies and addressing challenges associated with cervical cancer prevention.

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Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

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Health awareness

Measles: signs and symptoms

Learn more about what the measles virus is and how measles spreads

July 1, 2026

Illustration of a person holding a child. A circular inset on the left side of the image contains various virus-like particles, indicating an infection or illness.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can affect people of all ages but is most common in children. The virus lives in the mucus of the nose and throat of an infected person.

Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus.

Common measles symptoms include:

illustration of boy with reddened forehead

High fever

(may spike to more than 104°F)

Cough

Runny nose

Red watery eyes

(7-14 days after contact with the virus)

illustration of girl with tiny white spots in her mouth

Tiny white spots in mouth

(2-3 days after symptoms begin)

illustration of boy with red spots on is arm

Rash

(3-5 days after symptoms begin)

How measles spreads

Is measles airborne?

The measles virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area.

How contagious is measles?

If one person has measles, up to 90% of unvaccinated people close to that person will also become infected.

How long is measles contagious for?

Infected people can spread measles to others four days before through four days after the rash appears.

How long is the measles incubation period?

After a person is exposed, the measles virus can incubate for up to 11-12 days. An incubation period is how long it takes for you to develop symptoms after exposure to an infectious disease.

Does measles cause complications?

Measles can cause health complications. Common complications include ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). Measles may impact the daily lives of patients and their caretakers (e.g., can result in lost work time or missed school days).

Measles can be serious and lead to complications

About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized.
As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles get pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
Approximately 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.

Understanding measles outbreaks

Before the vaccine became available in 1963, an estimated 3 to 4 million Americans contracted measles each year; an estimated 48,000 people in the U.S. were hospitalized and there were approximately 400 to 500 deaths annually.

When you’re contagious with measles, up to 90% of the people around you who are not vaccinated will also become infected.

In the U.S., measles cases can originate from international travel as the disease remains common in many parts of the world. Typically, 2 out of 3 of travelers with measles are unvaccinated Americans re-entering the country.

As seen by the recent outbreaks across the country, measles can spread rapidly, and infected individuals can spread measles to other people who are not immune.

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Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

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Health awareness

From patient to advocate: Cris Regent’s LDL-C story

A personal wake-up call inspired a Merck employee to advocate for bad cholesterol awareness

June 29, 2026

two men wearing baseball jerseys shaking hands — Cris Regent (r) and former Atlanta Braves catcher Javy López (l) throw the first pitch at Truist Park on May 14.

For Cris Regent, associate vice president, U.S. pharma cardiovascular and metabolic at Merck, the fight against high bad cholesterol is deeply personal. Despite eating well and exercising regularly, a few years ago, Regent discovered his low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) — otherwise known as bad cholesterol — had been climbing higher. High bad cholesterol is a major contributor to plaque (bad cholesterol, fats and other substances) buildup in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and each year, it’s estimated that more than 800,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack.

“I thought I was managing my risk — until I wasn’t,” Regent said. Motivated by a family history of heart conditions, Regent spoke with his doctor. They moved beyond simple lifestyle changes to a comprehensive management plan to hit his LDL-C goals.

Now, Regent is turning his experience into advocacy through Playing with Heart, a collaboration between Merck, nine professional baseball teams, former professional baseball legends and WomenHeart, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of adults with or at risk of heart disease. During the 2026 baseball season, the Playing with Heart program will feature a lineup of baseball legends, clubs and ambassadors who will share their personal stories about high bad cholesterol. Playing with Heart will educate adult baseball fans about the risks of high bad cholesterol and the importance of talking to your doctor about your bad cholesterol number.

“Baseball is America’s favorite pastime; you grow up with these players, you see them on TV, and there is this relationship that you build with them,” Regent said. “When you hear these players speak, you stop and you listen. We’re reaching people through players they respect and want to listen to.”

Baseball has shaped Regent’s life since his early years. As a kid, he spent each season cheering for the New York Yankees during every game before taking the field himself as the catcher for his high school baseball team. When his son played Little League, Regent was the coach of his son’s team, passing his love of baseball to the next generation.

And while the Yankees will always have a special place in his heart, he now cheers on the Phillies. But no matter who wins the World Series, he’ll be happy that this season his personal experience helped fans learn that adults can be vulnerable to the risks associated with high bad cholesterol.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about your bad cholesterol number. For more information, visit PlayingWithHeart.com.

Innovation

Understanding blood cancers

How Merck is helping advance research with new approaches for people living with these challenging conditions

June 10, 2026

two scientists wearing lab coats and gloves working in a lab

Blood cancers develop when changes in DNA cause blood‑forming cells to grow abnormally. Instead of producing healthy blood cells that support the immune system and carry oxygen through the body, these altered cells multiply in an uncontrolled way. Over time, this can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight infection and perform essential functions.

Types of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma

The most common types of blood cancer are leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Together, they account for the majority of hematologic malignancies, with more than 190,000 new cases projected each year in the U.S.

Leukemia forms in the blood and bone marrow and is caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. There are several types of leukemia, which include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, a network of organs, vessels and tissues that helps protect the body from infection. It is often classified as either Hodgkin lymphoma or non‑Hodgkin lymphoma, depending on the type of lymphocyte involved and specific cellular features.
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, forms in plasma cells found in the bone marrow. Unlike cancers that first appear in one location, myeloma can occur in multiple areas of the bone marrow at the same time.

Rare blood cancers: myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

In addition to the previously listed more common blood cancers, there are rarer related blood cancers, such as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). About 20,000 new cases of MPNs and MDS are diagnosed each year in the U.S. MPNs occur when the bone marrow produces too many blood cells, while MDS develops when blood cells do not mature properly and are unable to become healthy cells. The main types of MPNs include essential thrombocythemia, primary myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.

As the number of people affected by blood cancers and disorders continues to rise, scientists at Merck are exploring innovative strategies aimed at improving outcomes for patients living with these complex and challenging conditions. These approaches focus on enhancing the body’s response to cancer, targeting cancer cells more precisely and addressing pathways that drive cancer growth.

Merck is currently investigating several potential targets for hematologic malignancies across a broad range of different disease pathways, including:

3-D depiction of ROR1 protein on a malignant B-cell

Targeting ROR1, a protein that is overexpressed in multiple hematologic malignancies

3-D depiction of BTK and PLCy2 in the BCR signaling pathway

Evaluating the inhibition of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase to address common mechanisms of resistance for patients with certain hematologic malignancies

3-D depiction of LSD1 and transcription factors ahead of histone modification

Targeting lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), an enzyme that is potentially important for regulating the rapid reproduction of blood stem cells and the maturation of blood cells in the bone marrow

Evaluating the role of the BCR::ABL novel protein in preventing white blood cells from proliferating

3-D depiction of T-cell with TCR complex and B-cell tumor cell with CD19 protein

Researching T-cell engagement for certain types of leukemia and lymphoma

“Our team is building on our legacy in oncology to understand how various mechanisms and modalities could address blood cancers in innovative ways,” said Dr. Shweta Jain, vice president, oncology clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories.

Dr. Shweta Jain, vice president, oncology clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories

“By exploring multiple potential novel mechanisms of action across a broad range of blood cancers and disorders, we hope to help address longstanding unmet needs for patients with hematologic malignancies.”

Dr. Shweta Jain

Through ongoing studies and clinical trials, Merck is working to advance clinical research for patients living with blood cancers and disorders. Learn more about Merck’s hematology research and clinical trials.

Health awareness

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): A personal journey

A mom’s personal story of support, community and care after her TNBC diagnosis

June 10, 2026

In 2020, Jonell Deshotel was balancing school, motherhood and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic when she noticed a lump on the side of her breast. After years of watching her own mother’s experience with breast cancer, she knew she needed to act quickly.

She went to see her doctor and received news that changed everything for her: Deshotel was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer or TNBC.

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. I remember her saying, ‘I have breast cancer, but I will get through this, and we will get through this together.’ Once I received my own diagnosis, I knew that I wanted to embody that strength with my own daughter.”

Jonell Deshotel

There are many different types of breast cancer — defined by where it starts in the breast, how much it has grown and how it behaves. One of the more aggressive types is TNBC.

What is TNBC?

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S. But not all breast cancers are the same.

Breast cancer tumors may be tested for three receptors, or proteins, that can influence tumor behavior and may help guide treatment decisions. A TNBC diagnosis is made when the tumor tests negative for all three receptors — estrogen, progesterone and HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2). HER2 is a protein that tells breast cells to grow.

TNBC differs from other types of invasive breast cancer as it tends to grow and spread faster, often with a worse prognosis for patients. It also has a high likelihood of recurrence.  

Who’s at risk of developing TNBC?

Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time in their life, and roughly 10-15% of these diagnoses are TNBC.

While TNBC can affect anyone, it’s more common in people who are younger than age 40, Black or have certain gene mutations.

Factors that make someone more likely to be diagnosed with TNBC include:

Sex: People assigned female at birth are at higher risk for TNBC compared to people assigned male at birth.
Race/ethnicity: TNBC disproportionately affects Black women compared to white women. Nearly 20% of breast cancers diagnosed in Black women are TNBC.
Age: TNBC is more common in women younger than 40.
Genetic mutations: Mutations in certain genes are associated with TNBC.

What are the signs and symptoms of TNBC?

TNBC may have similar signs and symptoms to other common types of breast cancer, though some people with TNBC may have no symptoms at all.

Possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

A new breast lump or mass
Swelling of all or part of a breast
Skin dimpling
Breast or nipple pain
Nipple retraction
Nipple or breast skin that’s red, dry, flaking or thickened
Nipple discharge
Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

Treatment, support and community after a TNBC diagnosis

Deshotel underwent more than 10 rounds of treatment along with intensive surgery.

Still, she says support made all the difference. “When I was first diagnosed, it was so important for me to do the research to find women who were young, who were of color and that (were) going through the same experiences that I might have been going through,” she said.

That search led her to a community she describes as her village. “I would not be talking to you today without our village. My friends would take me to my chemotherapy treatments, prepare food for me, and stayed by my side,” she said.

Their care and support helped Deshotel through her hardest days. It also shaped how she sees her future as a mother and advocate, because of her family’s multi-generational journey with breast cancer.

Today, she focuses on being healthy to be there for her daughters Payton and Journie Adele, named after her mother and their journeys with breast cancer.

woman smiling and walking with a pink umbrella and man behind her playing a tuba

Stories like Deshotel’s remind us why patients are at the heart of our efforts in cancer care. Her journey is a reminder to listen to your body, get checked when something feels wrong and lean on the people around you.

“One of my favorite gifts that I received from my village was my signature umbrella. It’s a symbol of hope, joy, celebration with resilience,” she said. “Together, we are strong.”

Discover more stories

Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

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From crosswords to cancer research

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Innovation

Merck’s One Pipeline strategy: Purpose, patients and big bets on science

Our approach to drug development aims to bring together our own innovation with the best external science so we can more quickly help patients who are counting on us

June 8, 2026

At Merck, progressing novel medicines and vaccines through our pipeline means making purposeful, long-term bets on bold science — wherever it originates. We take a science-first, therapeutic-agnostic approach, evaluating where strong science, clear patient impact and long-term value come together to deliver differentiated approaches for patients.

Pursuing science at this global scale across modalities and stages of development goes beyond our company’s internal discovery alone. Through our One Pipeline approach, our team combines our deep internal research capabilities with disciplined business development and licensing efforts to identify, evaluate and invest in the most promising external science. We apply a deliberate, long-term lens to business development — making investments that align with who we are as a company and the role we play in improving global health.

What is Merck’s One Pipeline strategy?

One Pipeline is our unified research and drug development strategy — bringing together internal discovery and external innovation to ensure we advance high-potential science.

We engage across the innovation ecosystem spanning academia to biotech and established biopharma. From early-stage engagements and venture investments to licensing and late-stage research collaborations and acquisitions, our One Pipeline approach enables us to establish a diverse portfolio, regardless of origin or therapeutic area.

Research and collaboration enable our One Pipeline approach

Dean Y. Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Executive vice president and president, Merck Research Laboratories

“Our One Pipeline strategy starts with a simple question: where do we see the greatest scientific potential, and how can we advance it for patients?” said Dr. Dean Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories (MRL). “We evaluate opportunities without bias, applying the same rigor and urgency to advance the strongest ideas wherever they come from.”

To achieve this, MRL works in lockstep with our business development and licensing (BD&L) team. “I want to emphasize how integrated BD&L is with MRL. This is hand in glove,” Li said.

How business development augments our pipeline

As one of the industry’s top investors in research and development, Merck’s scientific external innovation strategy is fueled by significant investment and disciplined decision-making and business development activity. We have a legacy of successful collaborations and are among the most active dealmakers in the biopharma industry.

Since 2021, we’ve invested over $65 billion into business development, spanning a wide range of technologies, capabilities and candidates across multiple therapeutic areas and phases of development. This sustained breadth of investment reflects our focused, science-driven approach to identifying and pursuing external innovation to strengthen and expand our pipeline.

Collaborations are critical to advancing breakthrough science

Sunil A. Patel, Senior vice president, head of corporate development and business development & licensing, Merck

Central to our One Pipeline strategy is our philosophy of matching internal scientific rigor with strategic external investment.

“Everything here starts with scientific conviction,” said Sunil Patel, senior vice president and head of corporate development and business development and licensing. “Whether we’re advancing internal programs or collaborating externally, we focus on high-quality science — even when the path is challenging — because that’s how we deliver real-world impact for patients and society.”

Creating a sustainable innovation engine

After each business development deal, we work to ensure the external science effectively transitions into our pipeline and portfolio. By applying our clinical, regulatory and manufacturing expertise, we work to accelerate each program with speed and rigor — supporting a steady flow of novel candidates for patients depending on us to deliver the next breakthrough.

Robert M. Davis,
Chairman and chief executive officer, Merck

“Business development is core to our growth strategy,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer. “At Merck, we are committed to delivering on our purpose to save and improve lives and continue to identify and secure opportunities where compelling science and value creation align.”

Where is Merck’s business development and licensing team located?

Recognizing that innovation can happen anywhere, the BD&L team scours the globe to bring in transformative science and leading‑edge technologies. They work alongside scientists within our research network and are strategically located in epicenters of innovation, including:

Boston, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts
London
Rahway, New Jersey
Shanghai
South San Francisco, California
Tokyo
West Point, Pennsylvania

Innovation

What are individualized neoantigen therapies?

How scientists are harnessing the specific mutations of each person’s cancer to evaluate therapies that would be tailored to their own tumor

May 20, 2026

3D depiction of individualized neoantigen therapy

Over the past decade, immunotherapy has transformed our understanding of how the immune system can be used to help fight certain types of cancer. As the treatment of cancer continues to evolve, researchers are focusing on more individualized approaches.

This includes a new area of research into individualized neoantigen therapies, which leverage information from a patient’s tumor biopsy to help develop a therapy tailored to that person’s tumor mutations.

To help improve outcomes for people living with cancer, our scientists, in collaboration with Moderna, are exploring this innovative approach designed to train the immune system to recognize and fight cancer.

What makes each person’s cancer different — and why does it matter?

Cancer develops when the body’s own cells undergo mutations that create abnormal proteins in cancer cells, known as neoantigens. These mutations are not found in normal cells and are specific to each person’s tumor. That helps explain why people diagnosed with the same type of cancer — and treated in similar ways — could respond differently.

What if the immune system can be trained to recognize each person’s cancer?

To explore the idea of one medicine for one patient, we’re evaluating individualized neoantigen therapies as a potential way to help train the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells unique to each individual.

Merck scientists, with colleagues at Moderna, are studying this approach to deepen our understanding of how mutations vary across different cancers — insights that could help advance more personalized approaches to cancer care.

How are individualized neoantigen therapies designed to work?

To predict each patient’s mix of neoantigens, or tumor mutations, scientists analyze the genetic code of a person’s tumor cells.
The analysis helps predict which neoantigens are most likely to appear on the surface of cancer cells and which may be the most promising targets for a personalized therapy.
This tailoring could potentially allow an individualized neoantigen therapy to effectively train the immune system to find and kill specific cancer cells.
Because healthy cells don’t have cancer neoantigens on their surface, this approach may also help avoid harming healthy tissue.

Dr. Vassiliki Karantza
AVP, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories

“Building on our past learnings from cancer trials involving the immune system, we’re investigating a new approach to individualized cancer care based on each patient’s specific tumor mutations. No two individualized neoantigen therapies will be alike, because no two cancers are the same.”

Dr. Vassiliki Karantza
AVP, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories

Clinical studies are ongoing to explore the safety and effectiveness of individualized neoantigen therapies when combined with other cancer treatments. There are currently no U.S. FDA-approved individualized neoantigen therapies.

Learn more about our work in oncology.

Understanding the health risks of high LDL cholesterol

What does high cholesterol mean?

Hypercholesterolemia: a major causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease

The CV epidemic

“We have a proud legacy of translating science into medicines that have changed the outlook of CV disease. We continue to build on our nearly 70-year history in advancing research to help address the CV epidemic.”

Our Q2 2026 financial results

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

HPV and related cancers: What you need to know

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

What cancers and diseases can be caused by HPV?

HPV can cause certain types of:

The impact of HPV-related cancers

Between 2018 and 2022, CDC estimates:

“There are steps people can take to be proactive about their health. Men and women should speak with their health care providers to learn more about the link between HPV and certain cancers and diseases.”

The World Health Organization’s movement towards cervical cancer elimination

For more information about HPV, certain HPV-related cancers and potential preventive measures, men and women should speak with their health care providers.

Measles: signs and symptoms

What is measles?

Common measles symptoms include:

How measles spreads

Measles can be serious and lead to complications

Understanding measles outbreaks

Before the vaccine became available in 1963, an estimated 3 to 4 million Americans contracted measles each year; an estimated 48,000 people in the U.S. were hospitalized and there were approximately 400 to 500 deaths annually.

For more information, including the latest statistics on outbreaks, speak with your doctor or visit the CDC website.

From patient to advocate: Cris Regent’s LDL-C story

Understanding blood cancers

Types of blood cancer: leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma

Rare blood cancers: myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

“By exploring multiple potential novel mechanisms of action across a broad range of blood cancers and disorders, we hope to help address longstanding unmet needs for patients with hematologic malignancies.”

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC): A personal journey

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36. I remember her saying, ‘I have breast cancer, but I will get through this, and we will get through this together.’ Once I received my own diagnosis, I knew that I wanted to embody that strength with my own daughter.”

What is TNBC?

Who’s at risk of developing TNBC?

What are the signs and symptoms of TNBC?

Treatment, support and community after a TNBC diagnosis

Merck’s One Pipeline strategy: Purpose, patients and big bets on science

What is Merck’s One Pipeline strategy?

Research and collaboration enable our One Pipeline approach

How business development augments our pipeline

Collaborations are critical to advancing breakthrough science

Creating a sustainable innovation engine

Where is Merck’s business development and licensing team located?

What are individualized neoantigen therapies?

What makes each person’s cancer different — and why does it matter?

What if the immune system can be trained to recognize each person’s cancer?

How are individualized neoantigen therapies designed to work?

“Building on our past learnings from cancer trials involving the immune system, we’re investigating a new approach to individualized cancer care based on each patient’s specific tumor mutations. No two individualized neoantigen therapies will be alike, because no two cancers are the same.”

Related links

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA