Since 1891, we’ve been guided by medical innovations and a mission of developing lifesaving treatments

Our work in cardiovascular diseases (diseases of the heart and blood vessels), MMR and pneumococcal vaccines, HIVHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)A virus that attacks cells of the immune system, type 2 diabetesDiabetes Mellitus Type 1 (juvenile diabetes)A chronic condition in which the pancreas makes no insulin which causes high blood sugar and usually starts early in life., and cancerCancerAbnormal cells that grow out of control [may invade other tissues and may spread into other parts of the body]; Also called malignancy. has made tremendous impacts. Today we focus on scientific innovation to deliver medicines and vaccines that help millions of people around the world. We are committed to staying true to the philosophy of our founder, George W. Merck: Medicine is for the patients. Medicine is for the people.

 

How are we advancing clinical research?

Merck is now conducting research across 7 key health areas:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Diabetes and endocrinology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Neurosciences
  • OncologyOncologyThe study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer
  • Respiratory and immunology
  • Vaccines
Daughter Comforting Her Mother Through Cancer Treatments

Why are clinical trials important?

Our progress is due in large part to the important and tough scientific questions we set out to answer with our trials and, of course, the help of many participants who join our clinical trialsClinical Study / Clinical TrialA research study designed to learn how our bodies respond to medicines, vaccines or other treatments; A way to study new medicines (vaccines), devices and treatments to see if they are safe and work in people; Compares a study treatment to another treatment or even no treatment (placebo); Research that studies people (called participants) to understand health and disease. Also called Clinical Study; trial; protocol;.

View all trials that are enrolling participants

What we’ve done and what we’re doing

We run to, not from, the world’s biggest health challenges.

More than

100+

current clinical trials across 7 areas of focus

Vaccines for

11

of the 17 diseases on the CDC’s recommended vaccination list

35

years of being committed to HIV research

More than

1000

clinical trials involving cancer medicines

More than

60

years of helping people living with cardiovascular disease

Our commitment to patient safety in clinical trials

Merck’s role is to develop and provide innovative products and services that save and improve lives. Our clinical trialsClinical Study / Clinical TrialA research study designed to learn how our bodies respond to medicines, vaccines or other treatments; A way to study new medicines (vaccines), devices and treatments to see if they are safe and work in people; Compares a study treatment to another treatment or even no treatment (placebo); Research that studies people (called participants) to understand health and disease. Also called Clinical Study; trial; protocol;. are designed, conducted, and monitored to follow local laws, ethical principles, and international standards that include:

Our clinical trialsClinical Study / Clinical TrialA research study designed to learn how our bodies respond to medicines, vaccines or other treatments; A way to study new medicines (vaccines), devices and treatments to see if they are safe and work in people; Compares a study treatment to another treatment or even no treatment (placebo); Research that studies people (called participants) to understand health and disease. Also called Clinical Study; trial; protocol;. ethics public policy statement has more information on how we safely conduct our trials and ensure patient standard of care.

Read our statement on clinical trial ethics

Diversity in our clinical trials

Merck understands the importance of enrolling diverse participants in clinical research. And it’s about more than diversityDiversityWhen groups or organizations include all people with a range of characteristics [such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, culture, religion, sexual orientation, and ability], it’s also about equity.

See how we’re promoting diversity in clinical trials

 

COVID-19

Since the start of the COVID-19COVID19A very contagious virus that causes flu-like symptoms; See also SARS-COV-2 pandemic, we’ve made it our priority to work with other companies and countries to drive testing and treatment for COVID-19. We collaborate with our industry partners to help ensure advancement of COVID-19 treatments.

See more of what we’re doing to fight COVID-19

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