Podcast: How AI can improve insight into disease biology
A scientist explains how we’re using AI capabilities to help identify patterns in tissue and tumor samples indiscernible to the human eye
December 18, 2024
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We see the potential of data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to help investigate new areas, pathways and mechanisms that may forge new opportunities to strengthen our pipeline through enhanced insights.
In a recent episode of the Health Pulse podcast by SAS, Dr. Greg Goldmacher, associate vice president, clinical research, and head of clinical imaging and pathology at Merck, discussed how we’re using these AI capabilities, like computer vision, to improve disease biology insights and help with objective imaging analysis to identify patterns indiscernible to the human eye.
“If you have AI tools that are trained to pick up subtle early signs of disease on scans that are being done for other reasons, there’s a real opportunity there for earlier diagnosis,” said Goldmacher in the podcast episode. “If you’re going to do opportunistic screening, for example, and want to train AI for that, what you need is longitudinal data sets where you can find patients who had the disease, and then go and look for scans that they might have had in the past to use to train the disease-recognizing models.”
Building on our understanding of gynecologic cancers
How we’re driving research forward for women with common types of gynecologic cancer
December 16, 2024
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By the numbers, the impact of gynecologic cancers feels overwhelming. The term “gynecologic cancers” primarily refers to cancers of three organs: the uterus, ovaries and cervix. As of 2022, these gynecologic cancers are some of the most commonly occurring cancer types for women worldwide. Even with advances in prevention and treatment, nearly 700,000 are projected to die from these diseases every year.
“To truly understand where we can begin to make progress, we need to look beyond the numbers,” said Dr. Gursel Aktan, vice president, global clinical development.
Understanding the trend
While “gynecologic cancers” primarily refers to the three cancer types mentioned above, it may also include cancers of the fallopian tube, vagina, and vulva.
“While the gynecologic cancer rates vary from country to country, the overall incidence rates of endometrial and cervical cancers have increased over time.”
Dr. Gursel Aktan
Endometrial cancer, which affects the lining of the uterus, is the most common gynecologic cancer in developed countries. Incidence rates for cervical and endometrial cancers, which mainly affect post-menopausal women, have been rising globally over the last two decades. The highest rates of diagnosis and death from gynecologic cancers were found in Eastern and Southern Africa and Melanesia.
“Unfortunately, many women may not recognize their symptoms as abnormal until their tumors are larger or may have spread,” said Dr. Aktan.
Building on what we have learned
“As our understanding of cancer continues to improve, there have been meaningful advances in cancer therapy, but we still have work to do to achieve our goal of helping more patients,” said Dr. Aktan.
To build on that momentum, we’re driving forward research focused on novel approaches for patients with certain gynecologic cancers with ~12 clinical trials for ~8,000 patients around the world. This work is grounded in our company’s three key focus areas in oncology research:
Evaluating combinations that play different roles in adjusting the immune response.
Precision molecular targeting to impact pathways that drive cancer growth.
Investigating ways to increase cancer cell sensitivity to immune responses.
“We’re also still learning about the right sequence in which to use treatments, and the truth is, the answers may be different tumor by tumor, patient by patient,” said Dr. Aktan.
“The better we understand how we can use these approaches to further cancer care, the closer we move toward our ultimate goal of supporting patients touched by cancer.”
Many people struggle to understand health information, which can impact health outcomes. What we're doing to support health literacy.
December 6, 2024
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What is health literacy?
At points in our lives, we need to make health or medical decisions for ourselves, members of our family or those in our care. And sometimes it can be challenging. Whether it’s deciding to receive a vaccine, start a new medication, undergo a procedure or join a clinical trial, our level of health literacy — the ability to find, understand and use information and services — can play an important role in health outcomes. Unfortunately, when people struggle, there may be negative health consequences, like decreased adherence to treatment plans, increased emergency room visits and hospital stays, and higher mortality rates.
Low health literacy is more common in vulnerable populations
While limited health literacy can affect anyone, there are certain populations at greater risk: older adults, racial and ethnic minorities, those with low income or less education, and people with compromised health status.
“As a company committed to helping save and improve lives, it’s our responsibility to communicate in a way that people can understand so that they can make informed health decisions,” said Shehla Hussain, director, medical writing safety services.
Health literacy is important for health equity
People with better health literacy are more likely to proactively engage in disease preventive behaviors and make informed decisions about their well-being. On the other hand, people with lower or limited health literacy may struggle to understand relevant information, leading to an increased risk of poor health outcomes.
How we’re making medical information easier to understand
We’re committed to making sure the information we share with the world is very clear. It’s something we’ve focused on since 2011, long before the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services updated the definition of health literacy in 2020 to acknowledge that organizations have a responsibility to enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.
As part of our efforts, we created a plain language glossary and established company-wide standards focused on improving the health literacy of the information in our resources and materials. It starts in product development and continues through the life cycle of the product, including clinical trials, labeling, post-approval, marketing and promotional materials. For example, we’re:
Expanding our plain language glossary of medical/scientific terms
Supporting research on health literacy
Utilizing plain language and graphics in digital and online resources
Sharing best practices externally
We also listen to the people who use or may use our products to help guide our efforts.
“We work to build trust by listening to the communities we serve, understanding their needs and making our information clear, concise and understandable.”
– English D. Willis
Executive director, clinical safety and risk management, and executive sponsor, Health Literacy Community of Practice
Reducing health disparities around clinical trials
“Health literacy is critically important for achieving clinical trial diversity as it ensures that individuals from diverse backgrounds can understand trial information, make informed decisions and effectively participate. Improving health literacy is essential for equitable access and participation, fostering greater inclusivity in research, leading to more representative and impactful outcomes” said Luther Clark, executive director, medical affairs, patient innovation and engagement.
Euvon Jones, a clinical trial participant, said: “Knowledge is power, and during my journey with prostate cancer, I realized the importance of fully understanding my diagnosis and the options available to me. Through conversations with my doctor and loved ones, and seeking information from reliable sources, I felt empowered to make informed decisions. When we fully understand the importance of the health information we receive, we’re better equipped to navigate the health care system, communicate with providers and advocate for the best possible care.”
Look at some examples of our work
Defining complex medical terms in plain language
By defining common terms used by health care providers, patients feel more prepared and confident to engage in discussions with their care teams.
Easy to navigate website
Understanding the patient's perspective allowed us to create a website that anticipates their needs for easy navigation. Plainer language, effective visuals and simple layouts make the website a useful tool.
Seeing from the patient perspective
In a diabetes awareness brochure, we presented the view from the patient's perspective so they can see the potential effects of eye damage from diabetes.
“And our work isn’t done. While we continue to learn and engage with communities, we’re also learning better ways to communicate with our consumers, patients and the general public.”
In the U.S., approximately 38.4 million people are living with diabetes, of which 90-95% is type 2 diabetes. And, while diabetes is a major health concern, there are common misconceptions around type 2 diabetes diagnosis and management that should be addressed.
What is type 2 diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by resistance to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps glucose get into the body’s cells to be used for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t able to properly use insulin, which allows too much glucose to build up in the blood and causes high blood sugar.
Here are some type 2 diabetes misconceptions explained.
01.
Misconception: Type 2 diabetes is not a serious disease.
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes should be taken seriously. If type 2 diabetes is not managed properly, it may lead to serious complications over time. Diabetes management, including learning about the condition, adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with a health care provider to create a treatment plan, can help decrease the risk of long-term complications.
02.
Misconception: If you have type 2 diabetes, the symptoms are obvious.
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes symptoms may develop slowly, often over several years, and can be so mild that it’s easy for symptoms to go unnoticed. Many people have no diabetes symptoms at all. In fact, approximately 23% of U.S. adults with diabetes are undiagnosed.
Type 2 diabetes symptoms may include:
Excessive thirst and/or hunger
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
Fatigue
Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
03.
Misconception: All people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.
Explanation: While research shows that people who are overweight and who are not physically active are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, there are other personal and lifestyle factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition, including:
Age (45 years or older)
First degree family history (mother, father, sister, brother)
Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanic/Latinx Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives and some Pacific Islanders and Asian Americans are at higher risk)
04.
Misconception: If a family member has type 2 diabetes, you’ll also develop type 2 diabetes.
Explanation: If your mother, father, sister or brother has type 2 diabetes, you may have an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes. However, this is only one of several risk factors. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk.
05.
Misconception: Type 2 diabetes only affects blood sugar.
Explanation: People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke. However, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of some of the more serious complications. These include keeping blood sugar levels as close as possible to a person’s individualized goal, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol at levels set by a health care professional.
06.
Misconception: Type 2 diabetes can be cured.
Explanation:There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes as for many, it’s a progressive disease. However, there are some lifestyle changes that can help manage the condition, including making healthy food choices and increasing physical activity. Choose whole, minimally processed foods, such as fruits, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat or skim milk cheese, as well as water over juice. Pay attention to how much you are eating, as larger portion sizes mean more calories. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve blood glucose control, reduce cardiovascular risk factors and contribute to weight loss. Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to control blood sugar. That’s why it’s important to work with your health care provider to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Merck’s (NYSE: MRK) Q3 2024 financial results represent strong progress across the business and our diverse pipeline. Our company announced worldwide sales of $16.7 billion, an increase of 4% from Q3 2023.
“Our third-quarter results were strong, as we continue to make progress heading into 2025 and beyond,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer. “Our pipeline is advancing and expanding, demonstrating our success in creating a sustainable innovation engine, and positioning Merck with a more diversified portfolio to drive growth. I continue to remain confident in the strength of our business and our ability to execute, and I want to thank our colleagues across the globe for their focus and commitment as we work to create lasting value for patients, shareholders and all our stakeholders.”
Merck anticipates full-year 2024 worldwide sales to be between $63.6 billion and $64.1 billion.
Learn more about invasive pneumococcal disease and how infection spreads
Invasive pneumococcal disease can lead to a number of serious consequences in children
October 25, 2024
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What is invasive pneumococcal disease?
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is an infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can lead to a number of serious illnesses including pneumococcal bacteremia (an infection of the blood) and pneumococcal meningitis (an infection of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord).
Children under the age of 2 and those with certain underlying medical conditions are particularly vulnerable to invasive pneumococcal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
~100
different types of S. pneumoniae, called serotypes, exist; however, a smaller number are responsible for most cases of IPD in children
~1 in 4
cases of IPD in children under 5 years of age were caused by serotypes 3, 22F and 33F, according to a pooled analysis from 2018-2021
How does pneumococcal infection spread?
Pneumococcal bacteria can spread anywhere, anytime through close contact with respiratory secretions, like those produced from coughing or sneezing. Children can carry the bacteria in their nose or throat without demonstrating signs of illness.
Pneumococcal infections are more common during winter and early spring when respiratory diseases are more prevalent.
What you can ask your pediatrician about pneumococcal infection:
Is my child at risk for invasive pneumococcal disease?
How could invasive pneumococcal disease harm my child?
What can I do to help reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease for my child?
“There are steps people can take to be proactive about their family’s health. Parents should speak with their health care providers to learn more about invasive pneumococcal disease and the serious consequences it can cause.”
Dr. Ulrike Buchwald, scientific associate vice president, clinical research
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
October 16, 2024
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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, 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 “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 Dr. 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 Dr. 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.
Make sure to talk to your health care provider about recommended vaccines for you and your family.
TL1A: Exploring a potentially important target for inflammatory bowel disease
Our scientists are investigating ways to modulate TL1A to potentially address inflammation and fibrosis associated with inflammatory bowel disease
October 9, 2024
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Picture the immune system as a carefully orchestrated network of organs, cells and molecules working together to protect your body from foreign invaders. Normally, this system operates smoothly, identifying and then fighting off microbes. However, in the case of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a person’s immune system can mistakenly attack their own tissues, causing chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
Nearly three million people in the U.S. live with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the two most common forms of IBD. Patients with IBD experience symptoms such as diarrhea, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unintended weight loss, fatigue and impaired sleep. In 25-40% of patients, IBD may affect organs and tissues outside of the gastrointestinal system, including the joints, skin, bones, eyes, kidneys and liver. When IBD is uncontrolled, it can lead to hospitalizations and surgery.
Despite available therapies which have helped improve patients’ symptoms over the last two decades, many patients do not achieve a state of sustained remission.
“People with IBD often struggle to find a treatment that works for them because each individual’s disease is different,” said Aileen Pangan, vice president and therapeutic area head, immunology clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories.
“With a better understanding of the biology of IBD, medicines have begun to emerge that aim to change the way we approach treatment. We’re investigating ways to modulate targets, including TL1A, that have been implicated in IBD and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.”
Aileen Pangan
Our TL1A research
Our scientists are investigating tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A), which has been shown to be increased in inflamed intestinal tissue and in the systemic circulation of patients with IBD.
TL1A is a cytokine, a protein functioning as a chemical messenger, that acts as a regulator of cellular immunity. In healthy people, levels of TL1A increase to help immune cells fight infections effectively, with levels going back down after the infection is gone. However, in IBD, TL1A levels are chronically elevated, leading to an excessive buildup of immune cells in the digestive tract, chronic inflammation, tissue damage and fibrosis.
Teams at Merck are evaluating the potential role of TL1A across immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Learn more about our research in immunology.
Our scientists are dedicated to advancing research for potential treatment options for people diagnosed with prostate cancer
September 4, 2024
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It’s estimated that nearly 1.5 million people assigned male at birth were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 worldwide.
But these patients aren’t just a statistic or a number. They’re our partners, our parents, our children, our siblings and our friends. They’re our loved ones, fighting for better outcomes and a chance for the future. And that’s who we’re fighting for, too.
“Globally, someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer nearly every minute. That’s why we’re working with urgency to advance research and provide potential treatment options for patients living with this disease.”
Dr. Kentaro Imai, distinguished scientist, oncology, prostate clinical research
The impact of prostate cancer on patients
Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in patients assigned male at birth worldwide. The average age at diagnosis is 66 years old. Prostate cancers is more likely to develop among those with African ancestry or a family history of the disease.
Prostate cancer can be genetic in other ways, too. Several inherited genetic mutations — such as those of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes — can increase prostate cancer risk. These types of genetic mutations, among others, can be identified through testing your tumor (also known as biomarker testing).
For those patients who are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer, the prognosis is promising, with a five-year survival rate of nearly 100%. However, for patients with prostate cancer at an advanced stage, the outcomes can be dramatically different, and the five-year survival rate remains low.
“As with many cancers, patients with prostate cancer have the greatest chance of survival when their disease is detected early,” said Dr. Imai. “The prognosis for prostate cancer worsens as it spreads to other areas of the body, given that there are limited treatment options at that stage. It’s critical that we push forward to identify new options for these patients.”
Our commitment to prostate cancer research
Our science, coupled with new insights into the disease, continues to guide us as we pursue clinical advancements in prostate cancer.
"Our scientists are working diligently each and every day in an effort to discover new solutions for patients with prostate cancer."
— Dr. Kentaro Imai
Distinguished scientist, oncology, prostate clinical research
Since the next breakthrough can come from anywhere or anyone, we regularly collaborate across the entire prostate cancer community, working with health care providers, other companies, academia and advocates to gain a deeper understanding and make progress for patients with prostate cancer.
“The fight against prostate cancer is constantly evolving, and therefore our approach to the disease must evolve, as well,” said Dr. Imai. “We’re committed to pushing boundaries in pursuit of breakthrough advances that have the potential to change the lives of patients living with prostate cancer.”
Understanding lung cancer: 5 essential things to know as a patient or caregiver
What to know about one of the most common types of cancer
August 21, 2024
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Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. In 2022, it was estimated that more than 2.4 million people globally were diagnosed with lung cancer.
Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Nearly one-in-five (19%) cancer-related deaths were estimated to result from the disease worldwide in 2022.
Despite how common lung cancer is and its high mortality rates, there are still many misconceptions about the disease. Having accurate information is a critical step in the fight against lung cancer.
Our company is working for these patients and their families by advancing research and fostering greater awareness and understanding of the disease.
Here are five facts about lung cancer that we think patients or caregivers need to know.
01.
Every person with lung cancer deserves compassion and support.
People with lung cancer can face social stigma because they may have smoked. But the truth is, there’s no room for blame. People with lung cancer are worthy of all the compassion and support their families, health care teams and the wider cancer community can provide to help them stand against this disease.
02.
It takes a village to navigate life with lung cancer.
When coping with a lung cancer diagnosis, it’s important to build a circle of support that includes the oncologist, health care teams, family and friends.
Connecting with others can provide a sense of support and comfort to help patients through everything that goes into managing this disease.
03.
There’s no one type of person who develops lung cancer.
Lung cancer strikes both men and women. While it is mostly diagnosed in older people, younger people can develop the disease. In fact, in 2022, more than 312,000 cases of lung cancer were estimated to be diagnosed worldwide among people 54 and younger.
04.
There are multiple risk factors for lung cancer, including some outside our control.
Smoking is the greatest risk factor for developing lung cancer, but there are others as well, including having a family history of the disease and exposure to certain environmental substances. Worldwide, it is estimated that 10-25% of patients with lung cancer have never smoked with even higher proportions based on ethnicity and geographic region.
Environmental risks include:
Exposure to radon gas.
Exposure to occupational carcinogens, such as asbestos.
Exposure to outdoor air pollution, such as second-hand smoke, arsenic, chromium and nickel.
05.
Scientific advances are helping to make an impact in treating lung cancer.
Over the last 20 years, significant strides have been made to improve patient outcomes in the treatment of lung cancer. Key advancements include the development of targeted therapies, the incorporation of biomarker testing into standard practice and the progress of research that may offer promising breakthroughs for patients with difficult-to-treat tumor types.
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.
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