Our history

“We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits.” – George Merck

For over 130 years we have brought hope to humanity through the discovery and development of important medicines and vaccines. We have a presence in the UK which goes back over 80 years - and we are committed to continuing to build on that heritage.

We are proud to be investing in the UK at a time when the UK Government and the life sciences community are actively seeking to drive R&D intensity and economic growth, whilst cementing the UK’s status as a globally leading scientific power.

The development recognises our confidence and optimism in the UK’s future role at the forefront of developing science.

Our Pioneers

Our UK scientists were among the first to develop medicines to treat hypertension, HIV and Hepatitis C amongst others, and we are committed to studying Alzheimer’s disease and addressing health issues such as antimicrobial resistance.

Many pioneers at MSD across the globe have led the way, including legendary scientists:

• Maurice Hilleman who helped develop more than 40 human and animal vaccines
• Nobel Prize winner Bill Campbell who together with Dr Mohammed Aziz and others championed the discovery and development of a treatment for river blindness that is being distributed throughout the developing world still today

Of MSD’s human medicines, eight were developed here in the UK.