“Life is short. It can change any second,” John Bald said he realized when his ski trip ended in the hospital.
While on the slopes several years ago, Bald, a father of three and grandfather of three, started to feel chest pain. What he thought was heartburn kept getting worse with each run.
“When I finally got to the hospital, I ran to the emergency window, and by the time I got to the window, I almost collapsed,” Bald said.
His doctors discovered he was having a heart attack. They found a 95% blockage of his right coronary artery, a common sign of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and he later learned he had high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol.
The blockage was cleared, and Bald received a stent in his heart to keep his artery open and improve blood flow to the rest of his body. As someone who had been active and relatively healthy, he was surprised by his diagnosis.
What is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)?
ASCVD is a condition caused by the buildup of plaque (bad cholesterol, fats and other substances) within the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can result in serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. ASCVD includes diseases that can narrow or block arteries in your heart, legs, and/or brain.
The risks of high cholesterol
Bald learned his high LDL cholesterol put him at an increased risk of a future heart attack or stroke.
A high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of several risk factors that can contribute to the development of ASCVD. Plaques can silently build up in arteries over time, which may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Bald and his doctor came up with a treatment plan to manage his cholesterol. These conversations with his doctor, in addition to medication and lifestyle changes, helped Bald lower his risk of future cardiovascular events. It also prompted his adult family members to understand their own cardiovascular risk.
Today, Bald savors every minute splashing in the pool with his three grandchildren.
Watch above to learn more about John Bald’s journey to lowering his LDL cholesterol.
Talk to your doctor about your LDL cholesterol level and risk of ASCVD.
The new manufacturing facilities powering our US growth
It's been a groundbreaking year at new and augmented facilities focusing on biologics, vaccines, animal health and more
October 24, 2025
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We’re breaking ground and cutting ribbons across the country as part of our ongoing manufacturing expansion in the U.S.
From the opening of a $1 billion state-of-the-art vaccine production facility in North Carolina to the groundbreaking of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing center in Virginia, 2025 marked a year of significant growth for our U.S. manufacturing footprint, with multiple projects that expand capacity in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics and animal health.
Totaling nearly $6 billion in manufacturing investments across North Carolina, Delaware, Kansas and Virginia, the expansions announced this year are part of a more than $70 billion investment, excluding any future business development investments in R&D, to augment our domestic manufacturing and research and development over the next several years.
“These milestones underscore our longstanding commitment to American manufacturing and, most importantly, our goal of providing new, innovative treatment options for people facing serious health challenges in the U.S. and around the world,” said Rob Davis, chairman and CEO.
Here’s where we’re growing:
Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing — Elkton, Virginia Start of construction: October 2025
Our company has a long history in Elkton, where we’ve been manufacturing since 1941. In October, we broke ground on a $3 billion, 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will include both active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product investment supporting small molecule manufacturing and testing, with the potential to create more than 500 full-time roles as well as 8,000 construction jobs.
“For almost 85 years, our Elkton site has been a beacon of innovation in our proud legacy of delivering leading-edge science for patients,” said Sanat Chattopadhyay, executive vice president and president, Merck Manufacturing Division. “We’re proud to be part of the Elkton community, where generations have contributed to our important work with determination, accountability, teamwork and grit.”
Animal Health manufacturing facility — De Soto, Kansas Start of construction: May 2025
The 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility project will expand filling and freeze dryer capacity for large molecule vaccines and biologic products.
“Our De Soto manufacturing facility is strategically located in the heart of the Animal Health Corridor, an unparalleled ecosystem for innovation, collaboration and industry leadership,” said Richard DeLuca, president, Merck Animal Health. “This investment in our site is designed to increase our ability to meet growing customer demand and ensure our company remains at the forefront of innovation in the animal health sector.”
The expansion is anticipated to create 2,500 construction jobs and more than 200 full-time commercial manufacturing roles.
Merck Wilmington Biotech — Wilmington, Delaware Start of construction: April 2025
Our $1 billion, 470,000-square-foot facility in Wilmington will comprise laboratory, manufacturing and warehouse capabilities to enable the launch and commercial production of next-generation biologics and therapies including potent antibody-drug conjugates.
Located at Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP), the facility will help foster growth in Wilmington’s biotechnology sector and is expected to create more than 500 full-time roles and roughly 4,000 construction jobs. “As a hub for life science, research and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, CRISP offers unparalleled opportunities for future expansion,” said Chattopadhyay.
The laboratory component is expected to be fully operational by 2028, with production of investigational compounds anticipated to start by 2030.
Vaccine production facility — Durham, North Carolina Opened: March 2025
The facility leverages new technical and digital capabilities including data analytics, generative AI, 3D printing and a training center equipped with a digital twin — a virtual model of the shop floor manufacturing process systems — to accelerate new employee training and simulate process changes before they are implemented.
“This level of investment and commitment speaks so powerfully to the work we do here in Durham,” said Amanda Taylor, vice president and Durham plant manager. “To see the pride and the energy of the people who work here and are helping drive this evolution in our capabilities is just phenomenal.”
Our commitment to American manufacturing, R&D and economic growth
Since the enactment of the 2017 tax reform law, we’ve accelerated our commitment to U.S. innovation and manufacturing. Notably, we’ve invested over $12 billion in U.S. manufacturing since 2017 and more than $81 billion in U.S.-based R&D since 2018, supporting tens of thousands of American jobs.
Understanding vision-threatening retinal conditions: Diabetic macular edema and wet AMD
Our scientists are researching new ways to address vision-threatening retinal conditions like diabetic macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD)
October 9, 2025
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Retinal conditions such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD) threaten the eyesight of millions worldwide. While anti-VEGF treatments have helped to improve outcomes, a significant number of patients – up to 40% – fail to respond or only partially respond.
“A diagnosis of diabetic macular edema or wet age-related macular degeneration can profoundly affect a patient’s quality of life,” said Dr. David Guyer, founder, chief executive officer and president at EyeBio, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, “The fear of progressive vision loss looms large, and beyond the physical challenges, many patients carry the emotional burden of worrying about their declining eyesight.”
To find alternatives for these patients, our scientists are investigating novel therapeutic targets for certain retinal conditions.
Our research exploring the Wnt signaling pathway
Our eyes have a blood-retinal barrier that protects our delicate retinal tissue. When the barrier is compromised, fluid can leak into the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision – and other areas of the eye, causing swelling that can lead to vision loss for people living with DME and wet AMD.
Research suggests that changes in the Wnt (pronounced “wint”) pathway are associated with the breakdown of this blood-retinal barrier in DME and wet AMD. Merck and EyeBio scientists are exploring the Wnt pathway as a potential approach to help improve the integrity of the blood-retinal barrier.
“We hear from retinal physicians about the demand for novel approaches to treat serious retinal conditions like diabetic macular edema and wet AMD.”
Dr. Tony Adamis Chief scientific officer, EyeBio, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J.
NOTE: These images are diagrammatic representations of the eye for illustrative purposes only.
What is diabetic macular edema (DME)?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is serious eye condition that poses a risk to vision in people with diabetes:
An estimated 1.6 million people are living with DME in the U.S.
DME is caused by excess fluid buildup in the retina and characterized by swelling and thickening of the macula due to fluid leakage from damaged blood vessels.
DME may be present in patients who are not experiencing visual symptoms, at times delaying a definitive diagnosis.
What is wet age macular degeneration (wet AMD)?
Wet AMD is the most frequent cause of vision loss in older adults, caused by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina.
In the U.S., it’s estimated that nearly 1.5 million people are living with late-stage AMD, including wet AMD.
Current therapies are limited to slowing or reducing AMD-associated vision loss.
Through research, our scientists hope to improve vascular stability and reduce fluid leakage. We are working to potentially redefine the treatment of certain retinal conditions to help patients worldwide.
Learn more about our research and commitment to ophthalmic health.
Around the world, HIV advocates are working tirelessly to confront stigma, alleviate loneliness and empower people living with HIV through education, community building and storytelling.
Isaac Ogunkola, Erika Castellanos and Nesrine Rizk exemplify how compassionate advocacy can transform lives. Their work reminds us that even the smallest action — whether it’s sharing a story, offering support or educating just one person — can spark meaningful change.
Above, watch them reflect on their work and read on to learn more about each advocate.
Isaac Ogunkola: Empowering the next generation of HIV advocates
Isaac Ogunkola didn’t set out to be a voice for the HIV community. When he began working with young refugees and local children in Nigeria, the goal was to teach reading and writing. After learning some of them were living with HIV, he reflected on the experience of watching family members die from preventable diseases and decided he would pursue public health.
Ogunkola’s organization connects youth to clinics for testing and treatment of HIV, preventive education and harm reduction services. “People living with HIV face many challenges, and my work is about connecting them to medical services and fostering environments where they can live safely and with dignity,” Ogunkola said.
His biggest impact has been through the development of a peer education program for refugee settlements in West Africa. By training 35 young refugees as educators and advocates, they’ve been able to reach 2,000 other refugees with testing and prevention services. These peer advocates help combat stigma by creating a safe space to discuss topics related to HIV transmission, like sex and drug use, that are often stigmatized.
“The peer educators can continue the training while I’m no longer in the settlements. Seeing that the project is self-sustaining, that is success for me.”
Isaac Ogunkola
Although Ogunkola’s advocacy journey has expanded beyond the grassroots level to working with governments and policymakers, he’s still passionate about the power of individuals to make a difference, especially young people.
“We can tap into the strength of young people,” he said. “We can push young people to be stakeholders in the implementation of these projects right from the beginning and throughout the life of the projects.”
Erika Castellanos: The joyful warrior
Erika Castellanos first encountered the devastation of the HIV epidemic while volunteering at a hospice in Mexico in the early 1990s. As a transgender woman from a small town in Belize, Castellanos understood what it felt like to be stigmatized by her community. So, when she noticed hospice patients with HIV who had been abandoned by their relatives, she stepped in to hold their hands and read them books, making sure they knew they weren’t alone.
In 1995, Castellanos contracted HIV and was told she’d have just six months to live. She’s grateful to have survived that moment, and it was an unexpected encounter with another woman living with HIV at that time that inspired Castellanos to become an advocate herself. This other woman was always cheerful and good-humored about her condition despite her difficult prognosis, which puzzled Castellanos — until she decided to try and do the same. She realized that by embracing her own diagnosis and speaking openly about living with HIV, she could empower others.
“It felt good to be able to laugh again, even about the things we were struggling with. If I want to do anything in life, I want to make someone else smile.”
Erika Castellanos
Over the past three decades, Castellanos has advocated for a better quality of life for people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. She now lives in the Netherlands with her husband and two children, where she runs an organization that advances equality for the transgender and gender diverse communities.
Even as the challenges facing these communities have changed, the most important part of her advocacy work has always been sharing positivity with others.
“Living with HIV is not just about managing the virus, but also about managing the judgment and prejudice that comes with it,” she said.
Castellanos emphasizes the importance of sharing stories to combat loneliness and stigma. “Don’t be shy,” she urges. “Speak out. Share your stories. Someone else will hear your message and no longer feel alone.”
Nesrine Rizk: Bridging medicine and social science in HIV care
Dr. Nesrine Rizk believes medicine is not just a science, but also a social discipline, especially when treating people with infectious diseases like HIV.
“Because of its history and transmission route, HIV is deeply intertwined with cultural norms, stigma and how people live and interact,” said Rizk, who practices in Lebanon.
Rizk advocates for comprehensive education of health care providers and the public, policy reform and community engagement to dismantle stigma.
“Stigma will impact the ability of a person to access prevention methods, stigma will impact an individual’s access to HIV health care, and stigma will affect treatment and adherence to therapy,” she said. “Stigma creates barriers to accessing prevention, care and treatment, and can lead to late diagnosis and increased mortality. It impacts their quality of life profoundly.”
In Rizk’s region, access to condoms can be limited, at-home testing is often unavailable and patients sometimes feel compelled to hide their medication from loved ones. These additional barriers to care have, in part, contributed to the region’s steep rise in new infections.
Rizk believes physicians should normalize discussions about sexual health and HIV in primary care settings, just as providers would address cholesterol or blood pressure.
“The bond between providers and people living with HIV is unique,” she said. “Being present to support patients throughout their life journey is essential.”
Nesrine Rizk
These stories are a powerful reminder that HIV advocacy is not just about HIV — it’s about humanity. Through empathy, courage and connection, individuals like Ogunkola, Castellanos and Rizk show us that change often begins with one person making the effort to care. Whether by listening, sharing or simply standing beside someone on their journey, we all have the power to make a difference.
Debunking 6 common myths about pneumonia in adults
Don't underestimate the severity of this infection of the lungs
October 1, 2025
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What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and limit your ability to get enough oxygen.
Some common myths about pneumonia in adults, explained:
01.
Myth: Pneumonia is only viral.
Fact: Viral and bacterial pneumonia are the most common types of pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia is typically caused by respiratory viruses like the flu, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or human metapneumovirus (HMPV). If you have viral pneumonia, you’re also at risk for developing bacterial pneumonia as a complication.
The most common type of bacterial pneumonia is called pneumococcal pneumonia, which occurs when the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a lung infection. Pneumococcal pneumonia can be a serious illness.
02.
Myth: Cold weather causes pneumonia.
Fact: Cold weather doesn’t cause pneumonia — viruses and bacteria do. Pneumonia can be a concern year round, especially for those at increased risk.
03.
Myth: Only elderly people get pneumonia.
Fact: It’s true that adults 50 years of age and older are particularly at risk, but people of all ages can get pneumonia.
Pneumonia risk factors for people of all ages include medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease and HIV.
04.
Myth: Pneumonia isn’t contagious.
Fact: The viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious. People who are infected can spread the virus or bacteria through the air when they cough, sneeze or talk. People who have the virus or the bacteria in their respiratory tract, but have no symptoms, can pass it on to others.
People can occasionally catch pneumonia by touching something that has the virus or bacteria on it and then touching their noses or mouths.
05.
Myth: Pneumonia’s only symptom is a cough.
Fact: Cough is a common symptom, but pneumonia can present differently in people based on a variety of factors. Other symptoms include:
Fever
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath
Chills
Rapid breathing
Chest pains
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Older adults with pneumonia may even have a lower-than-normal temperature and, at times, sudden changes in mental awareness. For those with chronic lung conditions, pneumonia may exacerbate existing symptoms. Sometimes, pneumonia symptoms can be mild, making it more difficult to diagnose.
06.
Myth: Pneumonia isn’t serious.
Fact: Pneumonia can cause serious illness, such as respiratory failure, fluid or pus in or around the lungs and sepsis. These complications can be life-threatening.
As you grow older, your risk for pneumonia increases. Speak with your health care provider to learn more about the disease and the actions you can take to help reduce your risk.
From awareness to action: understanding triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Early detection is important for this aggressive type of breast cancer. Learn more about the risk factors, signs and symptoms of TNBC.
September 29, 2025
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Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the U.S. There are many different types and subtypes of breast cancer — defined by where it starts in the breast, how much it has grown or spread, and how it behaves. One of the more aggressive and difficult-to-treat types is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and knowing the facts is one of the most important steps in a patient’s cancer journey.
What is TNBC?
Breast cancer tumors may be tested for three receptors, or proteins, that make cancer grow. A TNBC diagnosis is made when the tumor tests negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and does not over express HER2.
TNBC differs from other types of invasive breast cancer, as it tends to grow and spread faster, with a worse prognosis for patients. It also has a high likelihood of recurrence.
Approximately 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 10-15% of these diagnoses are TNBC.
Who’s at risk of developing TNBC?
While TNBC can affect anyone, some people may be at higher risk. 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. 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 the same signs and symptoms as other common types of breast cancer, though most breast cancers are detected before any symptoms appear through regular screenings.
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 collar bone
Our commitment to access to health
We recognize that barriers like limited access to screening and quality care, differences in potential risks and other factors continue to fuel disparities among those disproportionately affected by breast cancer. That’s why it’s critical to ensure those who need it have access to care and support early enough in their journey to benefit them. Through a combination of digital support tools and resources, we’re closing care gaps and helping patients overcome barriers to care, no matter where they are in their journey.
Early detection of breast cancer isn't just important — it could be life-saving. That’s why we’re focused on helping women get the care they need.
— Josette Gbemudu
AVP, patient health innovation
Navigating breast cancer, especially aggressive types like TNBC, can be daunting and for some — overwhelming. However, access to information and the right tools and resources can contribute to a more equitable patient journey for those impacted. By equipping patients to make better informed decisions, we can help them to advocate and determine the best path forward.
”We focus our work on making the most impact for patients — from advancing science to help patients living with this condition to creating patient-friendly education materials. We’re committed to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients, globally,” said Dr. Karen Lisa Smith, senior principal scientist.
How one woman embraced life, marriage and motherhood despite her cervical cancer diagnosis
September 25, 2025
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Several years ago, Christine Granado was living happily in New Jersey with her fiancé and then-9-year-old son, but she felt something wasn’t right.
In the span of a year, she lost three pregnancies. The first miscarriage came as a total shock. With the second, she felt confused. After the third, she was afraid something was terribly wrong. She decided to go for a routine checkup. While undergoing a series of tests ordered by her OB-GYN, she got surprising news: she was diagnosed with stage IIB squamous cell cervical cancer that had spread to her lymph nodes. At just 28, Christine said she felt disbelief.
“How can I have cancer at this age?” she asked herself. “I remember peeking through my bangs, feeling like I was trying to hide behind them.”
Young women are at risk for cervical cancer, too
Granado wasn’t alone in asking herself that question. Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 44. In 2022, over 660,000 people around the world were diagnosed with cervical cancer. In 2025, it’s estimated that around 13,000 people will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S.
Regular screenings can catch early changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer, but not everyone has the same access or risk factors for cervical cancer. That’s why it’s so important to make sure everyone gets the care they need.
Beginning her cancer treatment journey
Granado started treatment as soon as possible. She was prepared for physical side effects but was overwhelmed by the other changes that soon followed, including how she felt about losing her fertility. She and her partner discussed preserving her eggs but decided against it as doing so would have delayed her treatment.
Granado’s cancer went into remission for three years, and she found joy again: She and her fiancé got married and decided to have a baby via surrogate.
The shock of a recurring cancer diagnosis
Then, soon before her son was born, Granado started having unexplained chest pains. A CT scan found enlarged lymph nodes. She was diagnosed with metastatic cancer.
“When I got the recurrence diagnosis, I was devastated. It was hard to hear, but it motivated me to finish things, to contact a lawyer and get things in my kids’ names — to think about life after me,” she said.
It also motivated her to continue with more treatments. During her second round of treatment, Granado was able to welcome her new son. When she saw him, she took him in her arms: “I bawled my eyes out.”
A focus on mental health
In addition to her son’s arrival, Granado said a focus on herself has sharpened her resolve to live her best life. When the cancer came back, she grieved for her life. She would cry and sleep all day. Her depression stopped her from enjoying precious time with her family.
“The most disabling thing I dealt with was the depression,” she said. “There were days when I would feel physically OK, but I’d still stay in bed all day.” Thankfully, Granado had the support of a psychologist and a psychiatrist who helped her feel well again.
Cervical cancer won’t stop her from living her best life
Granado has been able to complete a master’s degree in health leadership, and her family has a new border collie named Harry. Even everyday activities like going to the hardware store and winding down with a book mean so much more now. She appreciates the small details, like watching TV with her son on the couch.
“Life has been amazingly boring,” she says. “In a good way.”
Granado said she hopes her story will inspire others and give them hope in the face of a cancer diagnosis.
Learn more about what the measles virus is and how measles spreads
September 17, 2025
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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:
High fever
(may spike to more than 104°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red watery eyes
(7-14 days after contact with the virus)
Tiny white spots in mouth
(2-3 days after symptoms begin)
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 being exposed to the measles virus, it can incubate for up to 21 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 (an inflammation 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 5unvaccinated 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.
Approximately1 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.
Endemic (regularly occurring within an area or community) measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
2025 saw the greatest number of measles cases reported in the U.S. since 1992.
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.
For more information, including the latest statistics on outbreaks, speak with your doctor or visit the CDC website.
Merck scientists are exploring macrocyclic peptides, a new way to combine the properties of a biologic in a pill.
September 15, 2025
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Small molecules, generally taken as pills, make up nearly 90% of medicines used today. It’s hard to think of a world without them. The use of small molecules has been critical in expanding the reach of and access to medicines around the world.
But it’s challenging for small molecules to impact the large featureless surfaces of protein-protein interactions, which govern a wide range of biological processes in our bodies.
To target these interactions, scientists have turned to large molecule biologic therapies, like monoclonal antibodies, which — taken by infusion or injection — have been critical in advancing the treatment of many diseases, including some cancers and autoimmune disorders.
Over a decade ago, Merck scientists began investigating a way to create a new kind of medicine that would combine the potency and precise targeting of an antibody with the stability and ease of administration of a small molecule or pill.
“Macrocyclic peptides allow us to cast a wider net on the protein interactions we want to drug, providing a vast and untapped opportunity to access a wider range of targets and potentially new ways to treat different diseases,” said Dani Schultz, director of chemistry.
An intermediate-sized modality: not too big, not too small
Macrocyclic peptides, with their intermediate size — not too big, not too small — combine the properties of both small molecules and biologics. With their larger size and unique ring shape, macrocyclic peptides can tightly bind ample surface area to disrupt protein-protein interactions compared to traditional, linear-shaped peptide therapies.
Size differences between small molecule, peptide and antibody
“The design and invention of macrocyclic peptides is notoriously complicated,” said David Thaisrivongs, director of chemistry.
“Similarly, scaling production up for a macrocyclic peptide small molecule, with four to five times the size and complexity of a typical small molecule, represented a bold endeavor.”
David Thaisrivongs Director of chemistry, Merck
For our researchers, this work started by screening large libraries of cyclic peptides using messenger RNA display technology. This led to the identification of cyclic peptide leads that were optimized using 3-dimensional protein structure-based design and advanced computational techniques. Further molecular iterations and refinements improved the absorption, potency and stability of the first candidate.
“A diverse, interdisciplinary team of skilled and determined people from across our chemistry organization has dedicated substantial efforts to advancing this science,” said Thaisrivongs.
Macrocyclic peptides potentially open new possibilities in drug discovery
Our ongoing macrocyclic peptide discovery efforts represent a new era in drug discovery which may one day allow us to treat diseases that have long evaded traditional small molecule approaches and help improve access to medicines typically administered via injection or intravenously.
“Macrocyclic peptides are a new modality, and we’re still in the early stages of understanding their potential to impact disease and patient care,” said Schultz.
“There’s no playbook here, we’re innovating and developing new techniques on how to optimize and synthesize macrocyclic peptides — it’s really thrilling for me as a scientist because the potential is huge.”
Dani Schultz Director of chemistry, Merck
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Helping protect against vaccine-preventable diseases
Vaccination is one of the many ways you can help protect your loved ones against certain vaccine-preventable diseases
September 10, 2025
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Vaccines are one of the greatest public health success stories in history
Vaccines help protect against more than 30 potentially life-threatening diseases and are one of the greatest public health achievements of our time.
We recognize and support many global health stakeholders for their efforts in raising awareness about the importance of vaccination and helping prevent infectious diseases around the world.
Broader vaccination coverage along with other public health measures have contributed to the eradication of smallpox and significantly decreased the incidence of other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Declining immunization rates persist
Childhood immunization rates have been declining in recent years, with the global population facing the largest sustained decline in approximately 30 years.
A downward trend in global immunization persists, with immunization coverage stalling in 2023, leaving 2.7 million more children un- or under-vaccinated compared to 2019.
Research shows that routine childhood vaccinations for people in the U.S. born from 1994-2023 have contributed to helping prevent about 508 million illnesses and 32 million hospitalizations.
In 2024, it’s estimated that more than 14.3 million infants around the world did not receive some routinely recommended vaccines.
Recovering immunization rates together
Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to reimagine the role we all can play.
At Merck, our broad portfolio of vaccines helps protect against certain infectious diseases affecting individuals around the world and across all stages of life from infancy through older adulthood. Through our work in vaccines, we’re committed to helping protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases today and for generations to come.
But we can’t be successful alone. That’s why we’re working with a variety of stakeholders to help increase vaccination rates, build trust and enable access to vaccination services for everyone who can benefit from them.
We’re also encouraging individuals to speak with their health care providers about vaccines that may be recommended for them or their families.
Merck and its legacy companies have a 100+ year history of innovation and commitment to helping prevent disease by discovering, developing, supplying and delivering vaccines.
To keep pace with the ever-evolving disease landscape, we go where the need is to find new ways to address complex public health problems. We continue to invest in groundbreaking research and breakthrough technologies to help protect against potentially life-altering vaccine-preventable diseases.
Forward-looking statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA
This website of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
No Duty to Update
The information contained in this website was current as of the date presented. The company assumes no duty to update the information to reflect subsequent developments. Consequently, the company will not update the information contained in the website and investors should not rely upon the information as current or accurate after the presentation date.
