Merck publishes Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026

We’re building on measurable progress and announcing updated goals for 2030

August 18, 2026

Merck’s newly published Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026 demonstrates how every action we take is driven by a singular purpose: to use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world.

We achieved our sustainability goals that were set for completion in 2025, delivering on commitments to advance health access, strengthen employee engagement and inclusion, reduce our environmental footprint and uphold responsible business practices. We’re building on that momentum with an updated set of sustainability targets.

Importantly, we’ve set an access to health goal to reach 100 million people with access solutions that close gaps in care by 2030 — driven by the dedication of our colleagues and partners to help strengthen health systems from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and ongoing care.

This goal reflects our commitment to addressing systemic barriers that delay access to prevention, limit people’s ability to start treatment or disrupt care.

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

“Our commitment to access to health is rooted in our purpose to help save and improve lives. This new goal reflects our ambition to close gaps in care, so more people can access timely, quality care where it is needed most.”

Rob Davis
Chairman and CEO, Merck

Key takeaways from this year’s report

Access to health

Our innovative medicines and vaccines can only make a difference if they reach those who need them. We’re proud to have achieved and exceeded our access to health goals for the 2021-2025 period, with:

More than 445 million people enabled to access our innovative medicines and vaccines globally through access solutions (2021-2025) — surpassing our goal to enable 350 million people by 2025

Approximately 82 million people reached through our social investments in low- and middle-income countries and in underserved populations in high-income countries — including more than 15 million people in 2025 alone — surpassing our goal of reaching 50 million people by 2025
90% of countries reached around the world with our products in 2025, exceeding our goal of 75%

Future focus: We’re proud of our progress advancing access to health, but we aren’t stopping there. As detailed above and in the Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026, we’re building on our strong foundation by sharpening our focus on closing gaps in care — the challenges people face in receiving evidence-based, medically recommended care.

Our new goal to reach 100 million people with access solutions that close gaps in care by 2030 builds on our experience and capabilities, and is designed to deliver meaningful, measurable impact for patients and health systems over time. Implementation will be led by functions across our company, working in collaboration with external partners and stakeholders, to drive sustained impact.

Employees

Merck’s inclusive and innovative culture is key to enabling our colleagues to deliver breakthroughs for all who depend on us. In 2025, we achieved our employee engagement and inclusion goals.

In addition, our commitment to investing in the growth, success and well-being of our people is reflected in initiatives such as:

Participation of more than 28,000 employees in our employee business resource groups (as of Dec. 31, 2025), representing more than 35% of our global workforce

Access to mental health support resources available for employees in more than 80 countries

Future focus: Looking ahead, we’ll continue investing in an agile, skills-based team that’s prepared to drive our next wave of scientific innovation. Our new goal reflects a shift to a culture index that provides a more holistic view of the employee experience, reinforcing that a strong culture is an enterprise-wide priority and a foundation for innovation, resilience and long-term value.

Environmental sustainability

We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint. In 2025, we:

Achieved our goal to source 100% of our purchased electricity from renewable energy by 2025

Achieved our 2025 operational waste goals, sending only 12% of global operational waste to landfills/incineration without energy recovery (against a 20% target) and having 64% of sites send zero waste to landfill (against a 50% target)

Achieved our 2025 water goal by maintaining use at or below 2015 levels

Reduced operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scopes 1 & 2) by 31% from a 2019 baseline and reduced Scope 3 GHG emissions by 10% from a 2019 baseline

Future focus: On our path to achieving net-zero GHG emissions across our entire value chain by 2045, we’re actively driving toward our near-term 2030 targets. This includes reducing our Scope 1 and 2 operational emissions by 46% and cutting our Scope 3 value chain emissions by 30%.

Ethics and values

Operating with integrity is the foundation of our company. Our 2025 progress included:

More than 99% of employees completed ethics and integrity training

100% compliance maintained for privacy and data protection

Future focus: Looking ahead, we’ve set new goals to ensure employees feel empowered to report concerns as we aim to maintain the highest standards of trust. For example, we’re working to achieve at least 99% global employee completion of enterprise training to ensure understanding of reporting processes and channels through 2030.

Ultimately, these milestones demonstrate that at Merck, our purpose is backed by measurable performance. As we accelerate progress toward our new goals, we remain committed to delivering long-term value for both our business and society by turning scientific innovation into sustainable global impact.

Learn more about our sustainability progress and future commitments in these areas in the Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026.

Awards and recognitions

We’re proud to be recognized for our long-standing commitment to operating responsibly, including being designated by Newsweek/Statista as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies (2025, 2026) and by TIME as one of the World’s Most Sustainable Companies (2026).

See more of our recent recognitions

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Sustainability

We’re ‘seeing green’ and building a more sustainable business

Our employee-led sustainability initiative exemplifies our company's culture of operating responsibly

August 18, 2026

collage of photos showing employees working outside

Bringing our global sustainability commitments to life requires local ownership and innovation. Across our company, teams are leading meaningful change where they work and live. For example, in Ireland, we’re taking the Emerald Isle ethos to heart with a call to “See Green, Be Green.”

See Green, Be Green is an employee-led initiative that aims to reduce our company’s environmental impact by embedding a sustainability mindset at every level of our operations.

Colleagues from six of our Ireland locations — Ballydine, Brinny, Carlow, Biotech Dublin, Dunboyne, and Red Oak North — form a core team that guides local sustainability projects built around four focus areas — carbon transition, waste and water management, biodiversity and culture.

Members of the See Green, Be Green core team in Carlow

Carbon transition

Reducing carbon emissions is critical to our company’s goal of achieving net-zero by 2045. All six of our Ireland locations involved in the See Green, Be Green program have been certified in ISO 50001, an internationally recognized standard for managing energy.

Other initiatives include installing solar panels, using electric company vehicles and transitioning from gas to electric boilers.

In Ballydine, the use of one electric boiler system is supporting an anticipated 50% reduction in Scope 1 emissions — representing a promising step on our net-zero journey, with learnings that will further inform our sustainability efforts at sites around the world.

Waste and water management

The Ireland sites send zero waste to landfills and are working on improving other means of disposal, such as recycling rather than incinerating when possible, and donating items to organizations in need.

Water management efforts include harvesting rainwater and replacing single-use water bottles and coffee cups with reusable options.

Biodiversity

All six locations involved in the See Green, Be Green program have been accredited with All-Ireland Pollinator Plan Business certifications. Initiatives include planting pollinator-friendly and native species of plants, trees and bulbs, installing bug hotels and limiting mowing to aid clover growth.

Culture

Arguably the most important part of the See Green, Be Green program is creating a culture in which everyone is empowered to act. From educational campaigns and outreach events to grow-your-own food and energy-reduction challenges, colleagues are encouraged to embrace sustainability at work, at home and in their communities.

Since the program’s launch in 2021, participating sites have been recognized locally for their leadership and innovation in environmental sustainability.

“As individuals, you can definitely make a difference,” said James Maher, engineering specialist and See Green, Be Green lead in Carlow. “But when you come together as a group, the change can be massive.”

Health awareness

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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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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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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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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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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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.”

Merck publishes Purpose for Progress Impact Report 2025/2026

“Our commitment to access to health is rooted in our purpose to help save and improve lives. This new goal reflects our ambition to close gaps in care, so more people can access timely, quality care where it is needed most.”

Key takeaways from this year’s report

Access to health

Employees

Environmental sustainability

Ethics and values

Awards and recognitions

We’re ‘seeing green’ and building a more sustainable business

Carbon transition

Waste and water management

Biodiversity

Culture

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

Related links

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