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A ground-breaking moment for MSD London Discovery Centre & Headquarters development in Kings Cross

LONDON, October 17, 2023 – To celebrate progress on the development of MSD’s new London Discovery Research Centre and Headquarters, a ground-breaking event took place at 13/21 Euston Road, the former Belgrove House site, followed by a reception at the Camden Town Hall.

Dr Dean Y. Li, President of MSD Research Labs, together with representatives from the developer and owner, Precis Advisory, and building contractor for the shell and core, Mace, welcomed Dr Angela Kukula, CEO of Med City at the site, to ceremonially ‘break the ground’ on the new development.

At the reception that followed, local community representatives including members of Camden Council and the life sciences community heard about the development and the overall vision MSD has as a company for making a positive impact through innovative science and collaborations both in the UK and across Europe.

The occasion marked an important milestone in the previously announced development of MSD’s new London headquarters.  The 25,000 square facility, located at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, is expected to be occupied by MSD in 2027.

Once complete, the development will be a state of the art laboratory and office, home to approximately 800 MSD employees, including approximately 180 discovery scientists, alongside colleagues in business development, regulatory affairs, clinical and business roles.

Designed to the highest standards of sustainability, the building will incorporate a life sciences educational centre, a publicly accessible auditorium and a new, accessible London Underground entrance for King’s Cross.

By bringing together scientific talent and investing in discovery research, MSD is focused on discovering and developing medicines and vaccines against some of the most challenging diseases facing populations around the world.  Locally, there is a strong commitment from the company to deliver value to the Camden community and schools through a range of engagement initiatives, and dedicted programmes.

Dr Dean Y. Li, President of MSD Research , commented:

“Our talented discovery scientists in London are an integral part of MSD’s global research network.  It was a pleasure to attend today’s event with excitement for the future when our research and head office colleagues will be co-located under one roof in a new state of the art facility.”

Ben Lucas, Managing Director for MSD in the UK and Ireland, commented:

“Breaking ground on our new MSD London Discovery Centre and HQ represents an important milestone as we progress toward the opening of our new UK home in 2027. With the benefit of London’s thriving life sciences eco-system and Knowledge Quarter right on our doorstep, I’m excited about the collaboration opportunities we are developing for our company, building towards this exciting new chapter and what this represents for employees and our partnership with the local community and beyond.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

 “London is a world leading life sciences location, and the sector is vital to ensure the creation of good jobs and to stimulate growth as part of my work to build a more prosperous city for all Londoners.

“I’m delighted that MSD’s new headquarters and Discovery Centre will help cement London’s position as a global life sciences hub. An active collaborator with the London BioScience Innovation Centre, the Francis Crick Institute and university partners, MSD is already a valued part of our life sciences ecosystem. Their £1billion investment is a clear demonstration that London is the best place to do business.”

Faaiza A. Lalji, Director of Planning and Development at Precis, said:

“For over two decades, Precis has been a proud investor in Camden and London. This important project is the next chapter in our commitment to this thriving neighbourhood and especially to the growing Knowledge Quarter we are privileged to be driving forward in partnership with the borough and others.

“MSD is a major player in the global business of science, driving innovation and life-enhancing scientific discoveries. We could not be more excited to be working with them to deliver a new home in Camden for their breakthrough research.

“Today marks the first major milestone in the delivery of Belgrove House. We know that Mace, our delivery partner for the building’s shell and core, will continue to work at pace to deliver a high-quality building which brings the ambitious vision of world-leading architects AHMM to life.”

About MSD

At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities.  For more information, visit www.msd-uk.com and connect with us @MSDintheUK on Twitter, LinkedIn,  Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.  

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

            This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialise, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

            Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

            The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December, 2022 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Media Contacts

Maisy Szabo

07852 508960

Olivia Finucane

07881 262476

GB-NON-08280 | Oct 2023

MSD Signs Agreement For New Laboratory Space at The Francis Crick Institute

New, 1098m2 laboratory to provide interim space for company’s expanding interdisciplinary team of London-based discovery scientists

LONDON, March 9, 2023 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) announced today an expansion of its scientific footprint in London, having signed a 3-year agreement to occupy new laboratory space to be built on the roof of The Francis Crick Institute. Construction of the new “Skylab” is due to be completed in 2024.

MSD has a rapidly growing interdisciplinary team of discovery scientists in London with expertise spanning biology, chemistry and pharmacology.  The new laboratory space allows for further expansion of the MSD discovery team, with capacity for an additional 50 personnel. This is the latest phase of preparation for the opening of MSD’s new UK Discovery Centre and Headquarters to be strategically located in the Kings Cross area, at the heart of London’s Knowledge quarter. The new facility is due to be completed in 2027.

During a recent visit to The Crick, Dr, Dean Y. Li, President of MSD Research Labs, commented:

“Our talented team of London based scientists is an important and growing part of our discovery network. We are pleased to collaborate with the Francis Crick Institute which provides an active and vibrant setting for life science research.”

The MSD London discovery teams, currently located at The Francis Crick Institute and The London BioScience Innovation Centre (LBIC), have ongoing collaborations with several leading UK institutions, including a Framework Collaboration, jointly funded with the Crick.  In addition to many other bespoke academic collaborations within the U.K. and Europe, MSD is a member of several major human health and disease-specific consortia in human health and disease.

Sir Paul Nurse, Director of The Francis Crick Institute, commented:

“We’re delighted to welcome an expanded team of scientists from MSD to work in the Skylab here at the Crick. It is vital that we harness our discoveries in fundamental biology for the benefit of society.  Our partnership with MSD helps this to be done and this development signals the Crick’s commitment to working as partners in London in the longer term.”   

About MSD

At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd-uk.com.

Media Contacts

Laura Newby

(+44) 07980988006

GB-NON-07161 | Date of Preparation: March 2023

MSD secures a long-term lease for London Discovery Centre and UK Headquarters

This will be a new, 25,000 square metre specialised life sciences laboratory and office facility strategically located at the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter

LONDON, May 30, 2022 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) announced today that a key milestone has been met in securing the site identified as the location for a ~£1bn life sciences investment by the US biopharmaceutical company.

MSD has worked with landowner and developer, Precis Advisory, who have worked together with Camden Council and the local community to get to this stage.  Once developed, the state-of-the-art discovery research centre and HQ will accommodate ~ 800 MSD employees across discovery research and clinical and support roles, including marketing, finance and administration.  Precis Advisory plans to undertake the initial demolition phase this year, with construction expected to start by early 2023, finalising in late 2027.

The Belgrove House development is located directly opposite St. Pancras International and King’s Cross Station. Once developed it will transform the public realm, meet the highest environmental sustainability standards and deliver step-free access to King’s Cross.

MSD will be delivering an educational outreach programme in collaboration with Camden STEAM and is committed to giving back to the local community through investment, volunteering and by providing areas of the building for the public to access and use.

MSD has a growing discovery research team located at the London BioScience Innovation Centre and the neighbouring Francis Crick Institute.  The teams have established scientific collaborations with leading UK institutions including The Crick and Kings College London, as well as European biotechnology companies. In addition, MSD is a founding member of Our Future Health in the UK, and an active participant in several research consortia focused in the area of neurodegeneration.

In early 2021, MSD’s UK HQ moved from Hertfordshire to interim offices in Moorgate to be part of a thriving life-sciences ecosystem, with unrivalled access to talent and connectivity.

Speaking, following progress to exchange on the lease, Dr Fiona Marshall, Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery, Preclinical and Translational Medicine at MSD, commented:

“MSD is proud to be delivering on our UK investment plans, with a future that puts our scientists at the heart of a vibrant centre for innovation and technology development alongside leading research institutes which include some of our current research collaboration partners.  Our mission to discover and develop therapeutics that address unmet medical needs for patients with diseases of ageing is underway in earnest, harnessing the passion and potential of world-leading scientific minds across industry and academia.”

Ben Lucas, Managing Director for MSD in the UK and Ireland, commented:

“We are delighted to have signed the lease on Belgrove House, moving us tangibly forwards in our mission to save and improve lives through investing in pioneering science.  MSD is aligned to the UK’s Life Sciences Vision and committed to playing a leading role in the ecosystem here, with a focus on an innovation partnership with UK Government and the NHS that delivers for patients.  Locally, we are focused on building a strong connection with the community and on contributing positively through our work to such a vibrant environment.”

Rajesh Agrawal, Deputy Mayor of London for Business, commented:

“I am delighted that London will be the home of MSD’s new Discovery Research Centre and UK Headquarters, further boosting London’s position as a world-leading life sciences hub.”

Faaiza Lalji, Director of Planning and Development at Precis Advisory, commented:

“We are very pleased to have signed the lease on Belgrove House with MSD. Working with them has ensured that we are delivering a world class building in the Knowledge Quarter to the highest specification required to meet MSD’s needs for vital life sciences research whilst also being sensitive to the local heritage and at the forefront of minimising the impact on the climate.”

Note to editor:  MSD previously announced the company’s commitment to invest and the work underway to secure Belgrove House.  This announcement communicates the lease exchange.

About MSD

At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd-uk.com and connect with us on @MSDintheUK on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.  

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Media Contacts

Laura Newby
MSD

(+44) 07980988006

Duncan Hepburn
Precis Advisory

(+44) 07899913293

GB-NON-06001 | Date of Preparation: May 2022

MSD to continue supplying essential medicines and vaccines in Russia and will donate any profit from Russia to humanitarian causes

Updated 28 March 2022

We are saddened by the invasion of Ukraine and we continue to stand united with the Ukrainian people. We hope for an urgent and peaceful resolution, and our paramount concerns are the safety and well-being of our employees and ensuring our patients and customers have continued access to medicines and vaccines needed for patient and public health.

For humanitarian reasons, MSD has a responsibility to continue supplying essential medicines and vaccines in Russia. MSD has saved and improved lives around the world for more than 130 years, and we remain committed to doing so. Any profits resulting from these sales will be donated to humanitarian causes. We will maintain scientific exchange of information with stakeholders in critical therapeutic areas. However, the company will not make further investments in Russia. This includes stopping all promotional activities, capital investments and business development initiatives. Additionally, screening and enrollment in ongoing clinical trials, and planning for new studies in Russia have been suspended. We are continuing to treat patients already enrolled in existing clinical trials and collect data from these studies underway, and we are working hard to ensure no patient is left behind. MSD does not have research or manufacturing facilities in Russia and is operating in compliance with all international sanctions while working to ensure continued access to essential medicines and vaccines.  

During this tragic time, MSD’s commitment to helping the people affected is unwavering. We are using our resources to help alleviate the human suffering in Ukraine. MSD is taking various actions to address the humanitarian crisis, which include: 

  • As part of its pandemic response, delivery of medicine to Ukraine through a supply and purchase agreement we have with the government, plus donation via Direct Relief for distribution to refugees. We are preparing to donate further medicines specifically for people affected by the invasion of Ukraine.
  • Donation of further medicines in relation to asthma, infections in hospitalised patients, and cancer. We are actively assessing needs for additional products.
  • Commitment of $1 million USD directed to humanitarian partners, American Red Cross, Direct Relief, International Medical Corps and Project HOPE, delivering urgent assistance to those affected in the region.
  • Utilisation of our donation program for U.S. and Puerto Rico employees to donate to Ukraine relief efforts. Contributions will be matched 100% by the company. Employees outside of the U.S. can receive a company match toward their donation to the Red Cross and Direct Relief, and the contribution will be matched 100% by the company.
  • Donation of vaccines from MSD Animal Health to farmers in Ukraine to support the continued raising of livestock and food production. 

As of March 28, our total cash and product donations amount to more than $65 million USD.

MSD will continue to monitor this tragedy and update its response as this crisis unfolds. The focus now remains on supporting the well-being of our employees, doing what we can to ensure access to our medicines and vaccines, and further using our resources to alleviate the unimaginable human suffering in Ukraine.

About MSD

For over 130 years, MSD has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.msd-uk.com and connect with us @MSDintheUK on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

GB-NON-05772 | Date of Preparation: March 2022

New Managing Director Announced for MSD in the UK and Ireland – Ben Lucas to succeed David Peacock

Media Contacts

Olivia Finucane

+ 44 7881 272476

Olivia.finucane@msd.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – FRIDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2022

New Managing Director Announced for MSD in the UK and Ireland – Ben Lucas to succeed David Peacock

LONDON, February 2022– MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) announced today that Ben Lucas will succeed David Peacock as Managing Director of MSD UK and Ireland as of February 1st.

Ben Lucas joins the UK business from MSD in the Netherlands where he has held the position of Managing Director for the last three years.

Ben will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role in the UK. He started his career working with elite athletes as an exercise physiologist at the Institute of Sport, Newcastle before joining MSD in 1999 in his first role in pharmaceuticals and progressed through to sales and marketing roles. Ben was instrumental in building the MSD Oncology Franchise in the UK & Ireland, pioneering solutions to accelerate access to new innovative medicines for UK patients, commenting on his new role, Ben said:

            “I am delighted to have been appointed as MD of MSD in the UK and Ireland. MSD has a rich heritage of helping to save and improve the lives of patients and populations around the world. Our people and teams here in the UK play a critical role enabling this to happen through scientific innovation and ensuring that the patient remains at the heart of all that we do.

            “I feel privileged to be able to help build on MSD’s existing strong heritage and legacy – but know that we cannot solve for current and future healthcare challenges alone. I look forward to building on the existing strong partnerships and collaborations in the UK to ensure that those who need our medicines and vaccines in the UK have access to them.”

Ben is married, with five daughters. His interests (aside from parenting) include rugby, football, cycling, golf, most spectator sports and country walks.

David Peacock has been appointed President of MSD in Asia Pacific and will be based in Singapore.

About MSD

For more than 125 years, MSD has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives.  MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.msd-uk.com and connect with us @MSDintheUK on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

GB-NON-05512 | Date of Preparation: January 2022

MSD supports Our Future Health, the UK’s largest ever health research programme, as a founding Industry Member

Media Contacts

Olivia Finucane

+ 44 7881 272476

Olivia.finucane@msd.com

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL Tuesday, 18 JANUARY, 2022, 9:00 GMT

MSD supports Our Future Health, the UK’s largest ever health research programme, as a founding Industry Member

LONDON JANUARY 18, 2022 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK))announced today its founding industry member support for Our Future Health, the UK’s largest ever health research programme, which aims to transform the detection, prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases.

Our Future Health aims to recruit five million adult volunteers, from all backgrounds, to participate in the research programme. By joining the voluntary research programme, people will be able to contribute to the most comprehensive picture of health ever captured in the UK. 

In joining the research programme, voluntary participants will be contributing to vital research to develop new ways to prevent, detect and treat diseases and health conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. A key focus will be developing approaches for identifying diseases such as cancer and heart disease before they become symptomatic.  

Researchers from across academia, industry and the NHS will be able to apply to use Our Future Health data and samples for their crucial research.

MSD will be contributing both expertise and funding. Through participation in Our Future Health, MSD is committed to improving the scientific understanding of human disease and risk factors for disease.

Senior Vice President and Head of Discovery Sciences and Translational Medicine at MSD, Dr Fiona Marshall, said:

“We’re delighted to be one of the founding partners of Our Future Health.  This offers a unique opportunity to understand the drivers of disease which will ultimately lead to better options for prevention and treatment.”

Dr Victor Neduva, Senior Director, Discovery Research at MSD, based in London, said:  

“At MSD, we’re passionate about innovating for patients.  We’re proud to be founding members of Our Future Health and committed to what can be achieved through this ambitious UK research programme.”

Our Future Health has initially invited 5,000 members of the public to join the pilot phase of the programme in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, before expanding recruitment across the UK from Spring 2022.

To register for news and updates about volunteering to join Our Future Health from next year visit www.ourfuturehealth.org.uk to join the mailing list. 

About MSD

For more than 125 years, MSD has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives.  MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc., with headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., U.S.A. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, MSD continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.msd-uk.com and connect with us @MSDintheUK on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

GB-NON-05458 | Date of Preparation: January 2022