In a world still adapting to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and facing rising health challenges such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and emerging infectious diseases, Merck & Co., Inc., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, stands at the forefront of global pharmaceutical innovation.
With its strategic focus on oncology, vaccines, infectious diseases, and animal health, Merck is doubling down on its legacy as one of the most scientifically advanced and socially responsible healthcare companies in the world.
A Legacy Reimagined
Founded in 1891, Merck has grown from a small U.S. subsidiary of the original Merck Group into a multinational powerhouse, driving some of the most critical advancements in modern medicine. In 2025, the company’s focus isn’t just on generating blockbuster drugs—it’s on creating access, investing in innovation, and tackling global health threats head-on.
From its widely recognized cancer immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab) to its pivotal role in vaccine development and infectious disease treatments, Merck has continued to expand its influence across continents, research pipelines, and patient populations.
Keytruda Still Reigns Supreme in Oncology
Merck’s crown jewel remains Keytruda, the immuno-oncology therapy that has reshaped cancer treatment by leveraging the body’s immune system to fight tumors. As of mid-2025, Keytruda is approved for more than 35 different indications, covering a wide spectrum of cancers including lung, skin, bladder, and gastric cancers.
Recent trials show expanding uses in early-stage cancers, as Merck positions Keytruda for use in neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment settings—helping patients even before or after surgery. The company is actively seeking approvals for these indications in key global markets.
The Next Chapter: Alzheimer’s & Chronic Diseases
One of the most buzzworthy announcements this year was Merck’s re-entry into neurology and chronic brain disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s research. After years of cautious retreat from this notoriously difficult area, Merck surprised the industry in early 2025 by acquiring a promising biotech startup working on a novel tau-targeting therapy for early Alzheimer’s.
Analysts see this as a bold and calculated move, especially as competitors like Eli Lilly and Biogen struggle to scale recent Alzheimer’s drugs to broader, affordable usage.
Merck is also focusing on cardiovascular disease, where its experimental oral PCSK9 inhibitor is showing promise in reducing LDL cholesterol levels without the high costs associated with current injectable therapies.
Vaccine Innovation: Guarding Against Global Threats
Merck remains a global vaccine leader, with its portfolio of childhood vaccines, HPV vaccines like Gardasil, and emerging mRNA-based platforms in development. Gardasil continues to see strong growth, especially in developing nations where cervical cancer screening is limited.
In 2025, Merck has intensified its focus on pandemic preparedness, collaborating with governments and global health agencies to create prototype pathogen vaccines—a “plug-and-play” approach that could deliver rapid responses in case of another global outbreak.
Its partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and a $500 million pledge toward building future pandemic defense platforms have positioned Merck as a central player in global health security.
Merck’s Animal Health Unit: A Silent Giant
While much of the spotlight remains on human health, Merck’s Animal Health division continues to be a reliable growth engine. The company’s innovations in livestock vaccines, diagnostics, and pet care technologies have been vital for global food security, zoonotic disease prevention, and companion animal wellness.
Its recent investment in wearable animal health tech—collars and chips that monitor livestock in real time—has gained traction across major farming markets including the U.S., Brazil, and Australia.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
One of Merck’s strongest value propositions remains its commitment to health equity. The company continues its global access programs, offering its most critical therapies at tiered pricing in low- and middle-income countries.
In Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, Merck’s HPV vaccine access program has helped vaccinate millions of adolescent girls, aiming to drastically reduce cervical cancer rates over the next decade.
The company also supports free patient assistance programs in the U.S., helping uninsured and underinsured Americans get access to life-saving medicines, especially in oncology and diabetes care.
Bold in Biotech: Strategic Acquisitions & Collaborations
Merck’s pipeline strength isn’t just a result of in-house R&D. The company has aggressively acquired and partnered with startups, university labs, and global biotechs. In 2024 alone, Merck closed more than seven major collaborations, including:
- A multi-billion-dollar deal with a European biotech for next-generation ADCs (Antibody Drug Conjugates)
- A partnership with AI drug discovery firm Insilico Medicine for accelerating molecule development
- Equity stake in a Boston-based microbiome therapy company focusing on gut-brain axis treatments
These deals are not only enhancing Merck’s portfolio but also embedding new technologies like AI, synthetic biology, and genome editing deep into its future pipeline.
Financials & Future Forecast
As of Q2 2025, Merck reported $61.7 billion in annual revenue, driven largely by Keytruda, Gardasil, and robust animal health sales. Analysts remain bullish on Merck’s long-term growth prospects, especially given the company’s deep late-stage pipeline and strong global footprint.
Merck is also investing heavily in AI-powered drug discovery, digitized clinical trials, and green chemistry manufacturing solutions to stay competitive in a fast-changing healthcare landscape.
Looking Ahead: A Vision Beyond Profits
What sets Merck apart in 2025 isn’t just its science—it’s the values behind that science. From its historic leadership in fighting river blindness and Ebola to its transparent drug pricing strategies and climate-conscious manufacturing, Merck is positioning itself as a 21st-century healthcare company with a conscience.
With global health at an inflection point, Merck’s multifaceted strategy—balancing breakthrough innovation with patient-centric access—could serve as a blueprint for pharmaceutical companies worldwide.