Archives: Stories

Stories are post types used for marketing

Innovation

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

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

6 people wearing hardhats and holding shovels

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

In May, we announced an $895 million capital expansion at our Animal Health biologics facility in De Soto. It includes an $860 million investment in the site’s existing manufacturing facility and a further $35 million investment in its research and development laboratories.  

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

In March, we announced the completion of a $1 billion, 225,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility to expand vaccine production capacity in Durham, expected to generate nearly 400 full-time roles and roughly 4,000 construction jobs. 

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.

Learn more
Innovation

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

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

Close-up of two eyes side by side, showing contrast in skin tone and eye color between two individuals.

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.
Illustration of healthy eye
Illustration of eye with DME
Illustration of eye with wet AMD

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.

Health awareness

HIV community advocates spark a global conversation

Meet three HIV advocates who are using their stories to uplift, spark change, and create spaces of healing and hope across continents

October 7, 2025

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

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.

Health awareness

Debunking 6 common myths about pneumonia in adults

Don't underestimate the severity of this infection of the lungs

October 1, 2025

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

couple being consulted by a female doctor wearing a white coat

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.

Health awareness

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

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

Three women sit on couch

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
Health practitioner explaining medical test to female patient in hospital room

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.

Josette Gbemudu

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.   

Learn more about our commitment to expanding access to health.

Health awareness

Finding joy after surviving cervical cancer twice

How one woman embraced life, marriage and motherhood despite her cervical cancer diagnosis

September 25, 2025

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

Chrstine Granado and her family

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. 

little boy laying with a dog

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.

Health awareness

Measles: signs and symptoms

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

September 17, 2025

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

Baby with pacifier
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:

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

icon
Is measles airborne?

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

icon
How contagious is measles?

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

icon
How long is measles contagious for?

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

icon
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.

icon
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 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.

icon

Endemic (regularly occurring within an area or community) measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

icon

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.

CDC website
Innovation

Macrocyclic peptides: a new research frontier

Merck scientists are exploring macrocyclic peptides, a new way to combine the properties of a biologic in a pill.

September 15, 2025

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

Macrocyclic peptides

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.

man wearing white coat standing next to text reading drawn to science

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.

David Thaisrivongs

“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
Dani Schultz

Health awareness

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

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

Woman and child sitting at table smiling

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.

mother laying down in bed with her newborn

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.

baby sitting down on table with band aid on right arm

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.

family being consulted by doctor wearing white coat

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.

older person with pink shirt smiling outstretching her arms to hug a younger person with braids.

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.

Health awareness

Is your child up to date on their vaccines? Make a plan today

Keeping kids’ vaccinations current can help protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases

August 18, 2025

Share this article

Facebook icon

.st0{fill:#00857C;} X icon

Linkedin icon

Email icon

smiling child with band aid on her arm

One of the many ways parents can help protect their kids from certain infectious diseases is by keeping them up to date on their recommended vaccines.

“Vaccines are powerful tools that can help protect against certain diseases. Making sure your kids are up to date on their vaccines is one way you can help protect them,” said Andrew “Drew” Otoo, PharmD, president of global vaccines from 2022-2025 and current regional president, Merck. “Speak with your child’s health care provider and ask about vaccines that may be recommended.”

In addition to scheduling vaccinations, child well-visits are essential for discussing concerns about children’s health and tracking growth and developmental milestones.

Dr. Andrew Otoo
Dr. Andrew “Drew” Otoo

“For all of us, let’s get creative. We’ve seen what our communities can do when it comes to new and effective ways to reach populations for vaccination.”

Even small actions can have an impact. Parents and community members can make a point to talk about routine and recommended vaccinations. Health care providers can use electronic health records and immunization registries to remind parents to schedule well-child visits for children who may be overdue for a check-up.

It’s critical to improve and maintain high vaccination rates

In 2023:

~21M

~21 million children around the world were either unvaccinated or undervaccinated in 2023. 14.5 million children did not receive any vaccines, almost 2 million more than in 2019, according to UNICEF.

40%

40% of adults in the U.S. feel it is “extremely important” for parents to have their children vaccinated, down from 58% in 2019 and 64% in 2001. (Gallup, July 1-21, 2024).

Persisting challenges around vaccination equity and confidence can lead to drops in vaccination coverage rates, putting children and individuals of all ages at risk of potentially serious, yet vaccine-preventable, diseases.

“Our purpose is clear: How can we continue to increase vaccination rates for all recommended vaccines for all populations, including underserved communities, to help protect public health? There is an urgency to this work,” said Otoo.

Health literacy is also key in these efforts. When you understand health information, you can make make informed health decisions.

“We’re surrounded by so much information coming at us from so many directions, and it can be hard to make sense of where to go for guidance or answers,” said Otoo. “It’s so important to make sure that we’re providing information that parents can understand to help them make informed decisions about vaccination for their families, as well as overall health care.”

For more than 100 years, Merck has been a pioneer in the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases. But the burden is still too high, and new threats to global health will emerge. That’s why we are continuing to invest in groundbreaking research and breakthrough technologies to help protect against a variety of potentially serious infectious diseases. We’re also collaborating globally, nationally and locally to build trust, enable access and improve vaccination rates.

We remain focused on helping to protect people around the world and across all stages of life.