Research & Development Overview
We run to, not from, the world’s biggest health challenges.
The journey to discovery is guided by science – and inspired by patients
Our purpose is to save and improve lives for generations. Our strategy is simple: We follow the science. The path to discovery is often unclear, but we are tireless in seeking solutions for some of the world’s most difficult health challenges.
Our work in numbers
people employed in research and development globally
people reached through our major programs and partnerships across the globe
invested in R&D globally in 2020
Our areas of focus
We focus on scientific innovation to deliver medicines and vaccines that may help millions of people around the world
Oncology
MSD is inventing new ways to treat cancer, with more than 850 clinical studies underway globally. Our immuno-oncology research is one of the fastest growing in this industry. Our work with the NHS and NICE enabled more than 900 patients to access our cancer treatment 5 months earlier.
Vaccines
Over the past century, MSD has invented more than 40 vaccines to protect children, adolescents, adults and animals from serious diseases. At the forefront of research, MSD has developed some of the first ever vaccines in various therapy areas, now used in more than 130 countries.
Infectious Diseases
As one of the few remaining large pharmaceutical companies actively researching and developing antibiotics, MSD has played a leading role in advocating changes to the way in which antibiotics are made available in the UK. We also play an important role in areas such as HIV and Ebola.
COVID-19
As a company dedicated to saving and improving lives, we have a special responsibility to help in the fight against COVID-19. We've been fully committed to developing an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic since it was first recognised
Cardio-Metabolic Diseases
Our commitment to cardiovascular care began with one of the first oral antihypertensive medications in the 1950s and continued with research leading to new cholesterol-lowering statins in the 1970s. Our work in assisting the UK's 4.7 million diagnosed diabetes sufferers goes beyond medicine, to address the lifestyle challenges associated with the condition.
Discovery and Development
We follow the science where we can make the greatest difference, now and in the future.
Our commitment to patients is unwavering
As long as there are still patients in hospitals, doctors and nurses desperate to add years to the lives of their patients, and a world where treatments aren’t accessible to all, we will be here, fighting with all we have to deliver more, sooner.
London, UK
Our UK Discovery teams are based in state-of-the-art research laboratories at the heart of London's vibrant and world-leading life sciences community. Working side-by-side and collaboratively with academic institutions, our scientists are focusing on the most challenging diseases facing aging populations.
Rahway, NJ
Our Rahway site is our world headquarters . For more than a century, the Rahway campus has been home to many medical breakthroughs. This is a research-focused campus that includes core chemistry and preclinical development capabilities. Rahway has been recognised by the American Chemical Society as a National Historic Chemical Landmark.
Upper Gwynedd, PA
The Upper Gwynedd site is headquarters for our U.S. Human Health Division and home to many of our research colleagues in clinical development and regulatory affairs. As part of our sustainable goals at research and manufacturing sites, we have a broad range of solar panels at this site that provide enough power to reduce the site's energy.
Job code: GB-NON-05895 | Date of Preparation: May 2022