Research and development

View all stories
Photo of pet tracer machine

Exploring the potential use of PET tracers in neurodegenerative disease research

Merck scientists are researching the potential of an investigational alpha-synuclein PET tracer in early identification Parkinson’s disease

Building trust and advancing inclusion: Our approach to clinical trials in Uganda

In Uganda, where women are disproportionately impacted by HIV, our community-based research prioritizes meeting patients where they are

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

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)

couple being consulted by a female doctor wearing a white coat

Debunking 6 common myths about pneumonia in adults

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

Macrocyclic peptides

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.

3D depiction of KRAS protein complex

Exploring KRAS: A precision approach in oncology

Merck scientists research oncogene mutations driving cancer growth

Merck HIV researchers

Meet two scientists at the forefront of our HIV research

Two esteemed scientists share their motivations and hopes for the future of HIV research

A mosquito sitting on a baby's hand

A lifelong commitment to addressing dengue fever

How our colleague’s personal experience fueled his desire to help others

3D illustration of an ADC

We're pursuing innovative science with antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) research

Merck scientists are evaluating ADCs to explore novel treatment approaches in both solid tumors and blood cancers

two women sitting down in round sofa

A personal commitment to public health

Stories of research and clinical care from two leading experts in pneumococcal and pediatric infectious disease

scientist in lab

AI optimizes the quest for small molecules

Our scientists harness rapidly evolving tech in small molecule lead optimization, which aims to improve biological activity, target selectivity and potential for toxicity

illustration of octopus multitasking

Our researchers incorporate LLMs to accelerate drug discovery and development

What are artificial intelligence (AI) agents? They're intelligent systems combining large language models (LLM), AI models and tools to iteratively plan, execute and optimize tasks

Microphone with blue soundwaves

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

patient and doctor

Building on our understanding of gynecologic cancers

How we’re driving research forward for women with common types of gynecologic cancer

TL1A diagram

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

Roy Vagelos

Our former CEO Dr. Roy Vagelos honored for role in helping China combat hepatitis B  

We’re proud of his recognition and our continued commitment to global health

group of people in conference room table talking

What is One Pipeline?

How we’re advancing the best internal and external science to progress our pipeline for patients

researcher with full protection gear.

A new foundation for future talent

We’re partnering with N.C. A&T to launch a collaborative biotechnology learning center

scientists wearing masks working in a lab

Teaming up with Eisai to help fight cancer

How we're leveraging each other’s unique strengths to help advance cancer research

collage of photos of scientists working in labs

How Merck scientists are driving next-generation cancer research

Our scientists are accelerating research by looking to improve anti-tumor immune response, targeting specific cancer cells and helping inhibit cancer growth

scientist in the lab

Harnessing innovative technology in drug discovery

Merck scientists explain how new technologies can accelerate the drug discovery process as we use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives

3 people with hard hats breaking ground

Breaking new ground in the UK

We’re accelerating our global efforts and capabilities with our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters

scientist working with liquid

Merck's legacy of antimicrobial innovation and action

Delivering on our commitment to fight infectious diseases for more than a century

Four people in a modern office setting, with two seated on blue chairs and two standing behind them

Podcast: Why neuroscience is the ‘final frontier’

Listen as specialists from Merck discuss what they’re most excited about in researching potential treatments for neurologic disorders

Here for Good: Bridging the gap between bedside and bench

Members of Merck’s lung cancer clinical development team say working in the hospital inspired their drive to innovate for patients

Merck's Dr. Jane Healy

Individualized neoantigen therapies: exploring one medicine for one patient

Scientists are researching new ways to help train the immune system to fight cancer

Merck scientist Denarra Simmons wearing goggles and lab coat

VIDEO: Here for Good – When passion and curiosity fuel innovation

Hear how one of our scientists balances her work and family life to accelerate our groundbreaking research

space shuttle launch

Proteins in space: taking our research to the final frontier

Merck Research Laboratories scientist Paul Reichert works with the International Space Station to drive innovation

Dr. Greg Lubiniecki

Here for Good: The human element inspiring our cancer research

Learn how one doctor turned his family connection to cancer into a career driven by scientific innovation