Merck & Co.

Merck & Co., Inc.

Company type	Public
Industry	Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology
Founded	1891
Founder	Theodore Weicker
Headquarters	Rahway, New Jersey , United States
Area served	Worldwide (as Merck in the US and Canada; as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD elsewhere)
Products	Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, animal health products
Website	www.merck.com

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global pharmaceutical corporation based in Rahway, New Jersey, United States. Outside the U.S. and Canada, it is known as Merck Sharp & Dohme or MSD. It ranks as the fourth-largest biomedical company worldwide by revenue.

In 2024, Merck reported revenues of $64.17 billion, largely fueled by its oncology drugs, vaccines, and animal health portfolio. The PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab), used to treat multiple cancer types, contributed 46% of total sales, amounting to $29.5 billion. Gardasil, an HPV vaccine, accounted for 13% or $8.6 billion in revenue, while animal health products represented 9%, generating $5.8 billion.

Merck is positioned 65th on the Fortune 500 list and 76th on the Forbes Global 2000. Established in 1891 as the American branch of the German Merck Group, the company continues to engage in trademark disputes with its former parent concerning the "Merck" name in various international markets.

Products

Merck’s primary offerings include:

Oncology

• Keytruda (pembrolizumab) produced $29.5 billion in revenue during 2024 as an immunotherapy for cancer patients. Approved by the FDA in 2014 as a breakthrough treatment for melanoma, it has demonstrated significant tumor shrinkage in clinical studies.
• Lynparza (olaparib) generated $1.3 billion and serves as a PARP inhibitor for advanced ovarian cancer with BRCA mutations.
• Lenvima (lenvatinib) brought in $1.0 billion treating thyroid malignancies.
• Welireg (Belzutifan) earned $0.5 billion targeting renal cell carcinoma linked to von Hippel–Lindau disease.
• Reblozyl (Luspatercept) recorded $0.4 billion addressing anemia associated with beta thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Vaccines

• Gardasil, an HPV vaccine, contributed $8.5 billion in revenues for 2024 by protecting against multiple HPV strains connected to cervical cancer.
• Combination vaccines ProQuad/M-M-R II/Varivax generated $2.5 billion by providing immunity against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.
• Vaxneuvance, a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, accounted for $0.8 billion.
• RotaTeq, targeting rotavirus infections, brought in $0.7 billion.
• Pneumovax 23, a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, contributed $0.3 billion.

Hospital acute care

• Bridion (sugammadex) generated $1.7 billion by reversing neuromuscular blockade during general anesthesia.
• Prevymis (letermovir) earned $0.8 billion treating cytomegalovirus infections.
• Dificid (fidaxomicin) contributed $0.3 billion as an antibiotic for Clostridioides difficile infections.
• Zerbaxa (ceftolozane/tazobactam) brought in $0.3 billion for urinary tract infection treatment.
• Noxafil (posaconazole), a triazole antifungal agent, recorded $0.2 billion in sales.

Cardiology

• Winrevair (sotatercept) generated $0.4 billion in 2024 revenues for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• Adempas/Verquvo (riociguat / vericiguat) combined to bring $0.7 billion by managing pulmonary hypertension and lowering risks of cardiovascular death and hospitalization in select heart failure patients.

Neuroscience

• Belsomra (suvorexant) is an orexin receptor antagonist prescribed for insomnia treatment, with projected revenues of $0.2 billion in 2024.

Virology

• Lagevrio (molnupiravir) is an oral antiviral medication used for managing COVID-19, expected to generate $0.9 billion in revenues during 2024.
• Isentress (raltegravir), an integrase inhibitor targeting HIV, is included in first-line treatment protocols endorsed by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, with anticipated 2024 revenues of $0.4 billion.
• Delstrigo (a combination of doravirine, lamivudine, and tenofovir) is utilized in HIV/AIDS therapy, forecasted to bring in $0.3 billion in 2024.

Immunology

• Simponi (golimumab) functions as an immunosuppressant drug, generating approximately $0.5 billion in revenues for 2024.
• Remicade (infliximab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the cytokine TNF-alpha, commonly prescribed for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis. Merck held regional rights and introduced a biosimilar named Renflexis in 2017, thereby strengthening its immunology product lineup.

Diabetes

• Januvia (sitagliptin) earned $1.3 billion in 2024 revenue as a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor for type 2 diabetes management. By 2013, it ranked as the second highest-selling diabetes medication worldwide, favored due to its minimal impact on weight gain and low hypoglycemia risk. However, there remain concerns about a slight increase in pancreatitis risk linked to Januvia and other DPP-IV inhibitors.
• Janumet combines Januvia with metformin into a single pill, expanding therapeutic options for type 2 diabetes and generating $1.0 billion in revenue for 2024.

Animal health

• Livestock products contributed $3.4 billion to 2024 revenues, providing vaccines and pharmaceuticals for cattle and poultry.
• Companion animal products accounted for $2.4 billion in 2024 revenues, supplying medications and vaccines designed for cats, dogs, and horses.

Origins and Early Development

Merck & Co.’s origins trace back to the German Merck Group, founded in 1668 by Friedrich Jacob Merck when he acquired a pharmacy in Darmstadt. By 1827, the enterprise had evolved from pharmacy operations into manufacturing pharmaceuticals commercially, including morphine production. The company also developed pioneering chemical techniques for extracting morphine and introduced cocaine for medical applications.

In 1887, Theodore Weicker, an employee born in Germany working at Merck, established Merck & Co. in the United States with $200,000 provided by E. Merck. Headquartered in Manhattan, this entity functioned as the American subsidiary of the German parent until 1917. George Merck—grandson of the original founder—joined the U.S. operation early on and played a pivotal role in shaping its strategic direction and expansion.

Nationalization

After the United States entered World War I, Merck & Co., due to its German connections, was subject to government seizure under the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917. The U.S. government confiscated approximately 80% of shares held by the German parent company and sold them off. In 1919, George F. Merck—then leading the American branch—collaborated with investment firms Goldman Sachs and Lehman Brothers to reacquire the company at a government auction for $3.5 million. This transaction established Merck & Co.’s independence from its former German parent while retaining exclusive rights to use the "Merck" name within the United States and Canada; meanwhile, the German company maintained rights elsewhere—a division that later resulted in legal disputes as recently as 2016.

In 1925, George W. Merck succeeded his father as president of the company. Two years later, Merck merged with Powers-Weightman-Rosengarten Company—a Philadelphia-based producer of quinine—with George Merck serving as president and Frederic Rosengarten as chairman. The subsequent merger in 1929 between H.K. Mulford Company and Sharp & Dohme brought valuable vaccine technology and diphtheria antitoxin production capabilities into Merck’s portfolio.

A significant advancement occurred in 1943 when streptomycin was discovered through research funded by Merck at Rutgers University. As the first effective antibiotic against tuberculosis, streptomycin marked a major public health breakthrough and expanded Merck’s antibiotic offerings substantially. Although initially holding exclusive rights to streptomycin production, Merck renegotiated to return these rights to Rutgers University in exchange for royalty payments; this arrangement allowed multiple manufacturers to license streptomycin production widely—demonstrating a strategic approach to collaborative pharmaceutical innovation.

1950–2000

During the 1950s, Merck researchers Karl H. Beyer, James M. Sprague, John E. Baer, and Frederick C. Novello pioneered thiazide diuretics, culminating in the introduction of chlorothiazide (Diuril) in 1958. This innovation marked a significant advancement in antihypertensive treatment and earned the company a Lasker Public Health Award in 1975.

In 1953, Merck & Co. merged with Sharp & Dohme, Inc., based in Philadelphia, becoming the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in the United States. Sharp & Dohme had previously acquired H. K. Mulford Company in 1929, which broadened Merck’s vaccine offerings, including smallpox immunizations. The merged entity maintained the Merck name within North America while operating internationally under Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD).

Merck extended its international presence by purchasing Charles Frosst Ltd. of Montreal in 1965, establishing Merck-Frosst Canada, which was later renamed Merck Canada in 2011 following a brief hiatus.

Maurice Hilleman significantly enhanced Merck’s vaccine portfolio by creating the first vaccines for mumps (1967), rubella (1969), and the combined MMR vaccine (1971), drastically lowering rubella-induced congenital disabilities. He also developed vaccines against Hepatitis B and varicella.

After incorporating in New Jersey in 1970, Merck flourished under CEO John J. Horan (1976–1985), who tripled research and development spending and propelled the company to become the world’s largest pharmaceutical firm. In 1979, Merck launched lovastatin (Mevacor), the inaugural drug in the statin class for cholesterol management.

In 1981, William C. Campbell and Satoshi Ōmura created ivermectin at Merck for veterinary applications; it was subsequently approved for human use to treat parasitic infections under the brand Mectizan and contributed to a Nobel Prize awarded in 2015.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Merck forged key partnerships with AstraZeneca (KBI Inc.), DuPont (joint R&D efforts), and Johnson & Johnson (consumer health products), expanding both market access and innovation potential.

The company introduced imipenem in 1985, a groundbreaking carbapenem antibiotic essential for combating resistant bacterial infections. That same year, P. Roy Vagelos succeeded Horan as CEO and Chairman, focusing on strategic direction.

Environmental issues emerged when Kelco, a Merck subsidiary, was fined $1.8 million for volatile organic compound emissions in San Diego in 1996; subsequent investments led to substantial emission reductions.

In November 1993, Merck purchased Medco Containment Services for $6 billion to broaden its healthcare services but divested it ten years later to concentrate on core pharmaceutical operations.

Between 1992 and 1997, Merck optimized its supply chain by reducing global suppliers from 40,000 to fewer than 10,000, demonstrating effective operational efficiency and cost management.

2001–2019

In May 2002, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation acquired shares in Merck.

From 2002 to 2005, Merck’s Australian subsidiary financed the Australasian Journal of Bone and Joint Medicine, which appeared independent but republished articles favorable to Merck without disclosure; this practice surfaced during Vioxx litigation in 2009. Michael Hansen, CEO of Elsevier’s Health Sciences Division, later condemned this as "unacceptable."

Following the voluntary global withdrawal of Vioxx in 2005, CEO Raymond Gilmartin retired and was succeeded by Richard Clark as CEO and president.

Merck completed a $41 billion merger with Schering-Plough in November 2009. Although Merck was the acquirer, the deal was structured as a reverse merger to retain Schering-Plough’s marketing rights for Remicade. A legal settlement with Johnson & Johnson required Merck to pay $500 million in 2011. Merck Sharp & Dohme continues as a subsidiary under the parent company.

Richard Clark stepped down as CEO in October 2011; Kenneth Frazier assumed leadership thereafter.

To achieve $2.5 billion in cost savings by 2015, Merck announced layoffs of 8,500 employees in 2013, adding to prior reductions totaling about 20% of its workforce since 2011.

By 2014, research from Merck contributed to FDA approval of 63 new molecular entities.

In August 2014, Merck acquired Idenix Pharmaceuticals for $3.85 billion and later that year purchased Swiss biotech OncoEthix for up to $375 million.

Between 2010 and 2015, approximately 36,450 positions were eliminated as Merck divested its consumer health segment to Bayer and redirected focus toward immunology, vaccines, diabetes treatments, emerging markets, and hospital medicines.

In January 2015, Merck acquired Cubist Pharmaceuticals for roughly $9.5 billion.

July 2015 saw an expansion of immuno-oncology collaboration with Ablynx with potential milestone payments totaling $4.4 billion; additionally, Merck invested $95 million upfront with cCAM Biotherapeutics to develop cancer immunotherapies.

New partnerships were formed in January 2016 with Quartet Medicine (pain therapies) and Complix (oncology targets), involving potential deals worth up to $595 million and $280 million respectively. Shortly after, IOmet Pharma was acquired by Merck for key immunotherapy assets.

In July 2016, Afferent Pharmaceuticals was purchased by Merck for up to $1.75 billion including milestones.

Merck expanded its portfolio in 2017 by acquiring AstraZeneca’s PARP inhibitor Lynparza and strengthening its animal health division through acquisition of Brazilian company Vallée S.A.

September 2017 included buying Rigontec for $554 million to enhance cancer immunotherapy capabilities.

In June 2018, Australian viral oncology firm Viralytics was acquired by Merck for AUD$502 million.

Merck sought FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation for its Ebola vaccine candidate V920 in 2018.

Early in 2019, acquisitions included immunotherapy developer Immune Design (~$300 million) and Antelliq Group ($2.4 billion plus debt), advancing digital technology solutions for livestock and companion animals.

Plans announced in May 2019 involved acquiring Peloton Therapeutics for up to $2.2 billion targeting renal cell carcinoma treatments.

June 2019 featured acquisition of Tilos Therapeutics for up to $773 million.

Later that year saw purchase of Calporta focused on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s therapies along with expansion of animal health through acquiring aquaculture technology firm Vaki from Pentair.

2020–present

In January 2020, Merck completed the acquisition of ArQule, a company known for developing the oral Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ARQ 531, in a transaction valued at $2.7 billion.

By March 2020, Merck earned recognition at the first-ever Manufacturing Awards hosted by New Jersey Business magazine and the New Jersey Business and Industry Association.

Merck broadened its vaccine and immune-modulation offerings in June 2020 by acquiring Themis Bioscience, focusing on infectious diseases including COVID-19 and oncology. During the same month, Merck Animal Health expanded its capabilities by purchasing Quantified Ag, a data analytics firm specializing in cattle health monitoring. Later, in August 2020, it further enhanced its animal health portfolio through the acquisition of IdentiGEN, a company dedicated to DNA-based traceability solutions for livestock.

In September 2020, Merck invested $1 billion in Seattle Genetics common shares and entered into a co-development partnership for ladiratuzumab vedotin. Two months later, in November 2020, Merck announced its plans to acquire VelosBio for $2.75 billion, gaining access to VLS-101, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting ROR1-expressing tumors. Additionally, it acquired OncoImmune for $425 million, which added CD24Fc—a Phase 3 candidate aimed at treating severe COVID-19—to its pipeline.

Merck Animal Health sustained its expansion trajectory with the acquisition of PrognostiX Poultry in February 2021. In April 2021, Merck strengthened its autoimmune disease portfolio by acquiring Pandion Therapeutics for $1.85 billion.

In June 2021, the U.S. government agreed to purchase $1.2 billion worth of Merck’s antiviral Molnupiravir for COVID-19 treatment, contingent on regulatory approval. By October 2021, Merck reported that Molnupiravir reduced hospitalization or death risk by approximately 50% in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 and subsequently sought Emergency Use Authorization.

Leadership changes occurred in July 2021 when Robert M. Davis succeeded Kenneth Frazier as CEO; Frazier transitioned to executive chairman. That same month marked the completion of the spin-off of Organon & Co., establishing it as an independent entity.

In September 2021, Merck announced an $11.5 billion acquisition of Acceleron Pharma, acquiring key pulmonary hypertension therapies Sotatercept and luspatercept-aamt. One year later, in September 2022, Merck Animal Health acquired Vence, a company specializing in livestock management solutions.

December 2022 saw Merck enter into a licensing agreement with China’s Kelun-Biotech to expand its early-stage cancer pipeline with antibody-drug conjugates following earlier co-development collaborations.

In April 2023, Merck revealed plans to acquire Prometheus Biosciences for $10.8 billion to enhance its immunology portfolio.

By December 2023, Merck partnered with Owkin to develop AI-driven digital pathology diagnostics designed to identify patients eligible for immunotherapies across four tumor types.

In January 2024, Merck acquired Harpoon Therapeutics for $680 million, advancing its oncology pipeline with T-cell activators targeting cancers such as small cell lung cancer and neuroendocrine tumors through Harpoon’s proprietary Tri-specific TriTAC platform.

Merck finalized the purchase of Abceutics for $208 million in April 2024; subsequently, in July 2024, it completed the $3 billion acquisition of EyeBio to broaden its ophthalmology pipeline. In October 2024, Merck announced plans to acquire Modifi Biosciences—an oncology spinout—for $1.3 billion.

Acquisition background

• Merck & Co
  • Merck & Co
    • Merck & Co
      • H. K. Mulford Company
      • Sharp & Dohme, Inc
      • Charles E. Frosst Ltd
      • Medco Containment Services Inc
    • Schering‑Plough
      • Schering-Plough
        • Schering Corporation
        • Plough, Inc
      • Organon International
        • Alydia Health
      • Intervet
      • Diosynth
      • Nobilon
  • Imperial Blue Corporation
    • Idenix Pharmaceuticals
  • Maven Corporation
    • Cubist Pharmaceuticals
      • Trius Therapeutics
      • Optimer Pharmaceuticals
  • OncoEthix
  • IOmet Pharma
  • Afferent Pharmaceuticals
  • Merck Animal Health
    • Vallée S.A.
    • Vaki
    • Quantified Ag
    • IdentiGEN
    • PrognostiX Poultry Ltd
    • Vence
  • Rigontec
  • Viralytics
  • Antelliq Group
  • Cascade Merger Sub, Inc.
    • Immune Design Corp
  • Peloton Therapeutics
  • Tilos Therapeutics
  • Calporta
  • Argon Merger Sub, Inc.
    • ArQule, Inc.
  • Themis Bioscience
  • VelosBio
  • OncoImmune
  • Astros Merger Sub, Inc.
    • Acceleron Pharma
  • Prometheus Biosciences
  • Caraway Therapeutics
  • Harpoon Therapeutics
  • Abceutics
  • EyeBio
  • Modifi Biosciences
  • Verona Pharma plc

Philanthropy

Among Merck's charitable initiatives are:

• Merck Foundation—founded in 1957, it has contributed over $1 billion to advance health equity globally. In 2012, the foundation discontinued support for the Boy Scouts of America due to concerns over discriminatory policies.
• Programs assisting patients by providing medications to those who cannot afford them.
• Sponsorship of Hilleman Laboratories, a nonprofit organization based in India dedicated to developing affordable vaccines for low-income countries.
• Merck for Mothers, an initiative aimed at lowering maternal death rates.
• Provision of Mectizan (ivermectin) to combat onchocerciasis across Africa, Latin America, and Yemen, resulting in substantial reductions in disease prevalence.

Cardiovascular risks linked to Vioxx

In 1999, the FDA authorized Merck's Vioxx (rofecoxib), a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor designed to treat arthritis with fewer gastrointestinal side effects than traditional anti-inflammatory medications. Vioxx rapidly became widely prescribed worldwide.

Later research identified an elevated risk of heart attacks associated with Vioxx compared to naproxen. In response, Merck revised Vioxx's labeling in 2002 to include warnings about cardiovascular risks. By September 2004, after clinical trial findings highlighted increased heart attack risk from prolonged use, Merck voluntarily removed Vioxx from the market.

Estimates suggest that between 1999 and 2004, Vioxx contributed to roughly 46,783 heart attack cases and, together with other COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, was linked to approximately 26,603 fatalities. Nearly 50,000 lawsuits alleged personal injury due to Vioxx consumption. In November 2007, Merck agreed to a $4.85 billion settlement resolving most claims—substantially less than earlier projections ranging from $10 billion to $25 billion. The settlement required plaintiffs to demonstrate specific medical events connected to Vioxx use.

Merck refused compensation requests outside the United States, affecting at least 400 UK claimants where legal protections were less robust. Internal communications disclosed efforts by Merck to "neutralize" critics of Vioxx, raising issues related to intimidation tactics and infringement on academic independence.

In May 2008, Merck reached a $58 million settlement with 30 states over allegations of deceptive marketing practices concerning Vioxx. Under this agreement, all new advertisements for pain medications by Merck must receive FDA approval through 2018.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Linked to Fosamax Usage

Fosamax (alendronate), a bisphosphonate, is prescribed primarily for managing post-menopausal osteoporosis and preventing skeletal complications associated with certain cancers. It is widely endorsed by prominent medical bodies as a first-choice therapy for osteoporosis in post-menopausal women. Extended use of bisphosphonates like alendronate provides sustained anti-fracture effects and enhances bone mineral density for three to five years following initial treatment. Clinical data indicate that alendronate lowers the likelihood of fractures in the hip, spine, and wrist by approximately 35-39%.

In December 2013, Merck consented to a $27.7 million settlement involving 1,200 plaintiffs who alleged Fosamax induced osteonecrosis of the jaw. Prior to this resolution, Merck prevailed in three out of five bellwether trials related to these claims. As of mid-2024, around 3,115 lawsuits remain active within both federal and state judicial systems.

Additionally, thousands of cases have asserted that Fosamax elevates the risk of fractures in the femur. In March 2022, Merck successfully obtained dismissal of nearly 500 such lawsuits in New Jersey on grounds of federal preemption. Nevertheless, in September 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit reversed this decision, permitting state-level claims to advance.

These persistent legal disputes continue to influence Merck’s financial outcomes and underscore potential liabilities connected with its osteoporosis medication portfolio.

Medicaid Overbilling Allegations

Beginning in 2000, the United States Department of Justice initiated an investigation following whistleblower complaints under the False Claims Act, accusing Merck of failing to remit appropriate rebates to Medicaid and other government health programs while allegedly providing illicit incentives to healthcare providers. On February 7, 2008, Merck agreed to a settlement exceeding $650 million to resolve accusations of systematic Medicaid overbilling for its leading pharmaceuticals. This settlement ranks among the largest in pharmaceutical history, with the federal government receiving more than $360 million and 49 states plus Washington, DC sharing over $290 million. One whistleblower received a $68 million award. Merck resolved the matter without admitting any wrongdoing or liability.

Dispute Over "Merck" Trademark Ownership

The "Merck" name is owned by the original Merck company—the Merck Group based in Darmstadt—in 191 out of 193 countries worldwide. Within the United States and Canada, this entity operates under the name EMD (Emanuel Merck, Darmstadt), legally registered as Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and uses "EMD Group" instead of "Merck Group." Contrarily, Merck & Co. holds exclusive rights to the "Merck" trademark in these North American markets and conducts business as MSD (Merck, Sharp & Dohme) internationally, legally titled Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.

In 2015, the Merck Group unveiled a refreshed logo and declared its intent to rigorously defend its brand identity. Subsequently, it initiated legal action against former affiliate Merck & Co. (MSD) over trademark infringement across multiple jurisdictions. The High Court of Justice in the United Kingdom ruled in 2016 that MSD violated an agreement by employing the Merck name within the UK; only Merck Darmstadt is authorized to use it there. The court further determined that MSD’s use of "Merck" on global websites infringed upon UK trademark rights.

In retaliation, MSD filed a federal lawsuit in the United States accusing Merck Group of trademark infringement due to increased usage of "Merck KGaA" branding. MSD also alleged claims including trademark dilution, unfair competition, false advertising, deceptive trade practices, breach of contract, and cybersquatting. A notable case involved confusion when a research scientist mistakenly believed he was corresponding with Merck & Co. regarding an oncology grant application but was actually dealing with Merck Group. Consequently, MSD sought injunctive relief barring Merck Group from using "Merck" on products or promotional materials within the U.S., alongside demands for disgorgement of profits plus treble damages and punitive sanctions.

In April 2020, amid legal proceedings in Switzerland between Merck and MSD, the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland determined that MSD’s global website use of "Merck," without geotargeting restrictions, could have commercial effects within Switzerland and possibly infringe upon Merck’s trademark rights there.

Tax consequences of transaction accounting

In February 2007, Merck resolved a $2.3 billion tax controversy with the Internal Revenue Service concerning transaction accounting practices spanning from 1993 through 2001.

Propecia's link to sexual dysfunction and suicidal ideation

A 2021 inquiry uncovered that Merck's hair loss medication Propecia was associated with enduring sexual dysfunction and connected to more than 700 reported instances of suicidal thoughts alongside 110 fatalities. Although these adverse effects had been reported since 1998, Merck failed to disclose such risks on the product labeling. The company was sued in 2015 in a wrongful death case related to Propecia.

Methylene chloride usage

Merck formerly utilized methylene chloride, a carcinogenic chemical identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in its production processes but has since transitioned to safer substances. Enhancements in environmental management led to a 50% increase in manufacturing efficiency while significantly lowering hazardous waste output. In 2011, Merck incurred a $1.5 million fine due to alleged federal environmental infractions at its Pennsylvania plants.

Political involvement

Annually, Merck allocates approximately $10 million toward lobbying efforts within the United States, predominantly backing the Democratic Party. The firm also engages actively in industry advocacy organizations and sponsors related initiatives.

Prominent publications

Merck & Co. is responsible for publishing The Merck Manuals, a premier collection of medical reference texts aimed at healthcare practitioners, including the widely circulated Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, recognized as the top-selling medical reference worldwide. Additionally, The Merck Index, an essential chemical compound directory, was published by Merck & Co. until its transfer to the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2012.

External links

• Official website