Merck & Co. , Inc. , d.b.a. Merck Sharp & Dohme, MSD outside the United States and Canada, is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials.
Through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, Merck works with customers and operates in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. Merck headquarters is currently located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey and will be relocating to Summit, New Jersey shortly. The company was established in 1891 as the United States subsidiary of the German company now known as Merck KGaA.
Founded in 1668, Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group.
Medically important vaccines developed at Merck include the first mumps vaccine, the first rubella vaccine, and the first trivalent measles, mumps, rubella (MMR vaccine), each of which was developed by Merck scientist Maurice Hilleman. The incidence of rubella-associated birth defects fell from up to 10,000 per year in the U.S. to zero in the aftermath of the rubella vaccine’s development. Hilleman also developed the first Hepatitis B vaccine and the first varicella vaccine, for chickenpox.
With its several patient assistance programs, Merck & Co. was one of the first American pharmaceutical companies to offer assistance to those unable to afford its medications, beginning a program in the 1950s. Merck & Co. offers seven patient assistance programs, each with specific eligibility requirements.
