Company Profile & Origins
Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), known as Merck & Co., Inc. in the U.S. and Canada, is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. The company began in 1668, when Friedrich Jacob Merck opened a small apothecary in Darmstadt, Germany, making MSD one of the oldest pharmaceutical companies in the world.
After World War I, the U.S. subsidiary became an independent American company called Merck & Co., which continues to operate as MSD outside North America. Over more than 350 years, MSD has grown into a global leader in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biologics. Today, it is recognized worldwide for innovation, disease prevention, and its commitment to improving global health.
Research, Innovation & Technology
MSD focuses on scientific excellence and breakthrough discoveries. Its research and development teams focus on vaccines, oncology, cardiometabolic disorders, and immunology, with vaccines remaining one of its strongest areas.
Key Technological Strengths
Recombinant DNA & Protein-Based Platforms: These allow precise and safe antigen production.
Adjuvant & Formulation Technology: Enhance the immune response while keeping vaccines well tolerated.
Global Manufacturing Network: MSD operates in Europe, North America, and Asia to maintain consistent quality and supply.
Through these innovations, MSD delivers safe, effective, and reliable vaccines worldwide.
Vaccine Portfolio
MSD has one of the largest vaccine portfolios globally, with products protect against more than 25 infectious diseases. These vaccines are widely used in national immunization programs and workplace health campaigns in more than 180 countries.
Key Vaccines
HPV: Gardasil® 9 – Protects against nine cancer-causing HPV types.
Pneumonia: Pneumovax® 23 – Covers 23 pneumococcal strains; recommended for adults and high-risk groups.
MMR: MMR® II – Provides protection against measles, mumps, and rubella.
Varicella (Chickenpox): Varivax® – Prevents varicella infection.
Hepatitis A: VAQTA® – Safe for both adults and children.
Shingles: Zostavax® – Reduces the risk of shingles and postherpetic pain.
MSD vaccines are known for strong clinical evidence, long-term safety, and wide global availability. This makes them essential for public and workplace health programs.
Medical Breakthroughs & Global Contributions
MSD has made major contributions to modern vaccines and medicine.
Developed the first mumps, measles, and rubella vaccines, which became the MMR® vaccine still in use today.
Introduced Gardasil®, the first HPV vaccine, preventing millions of HPV-related cancers worldwide.
Pioneered Hepatitis A and B combination vaccines, simplifying protection for travelers and healthcare workers.
Collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi to expand vaccine access in developing countries.
Beyond vaccines, MSD has created landmark treatments in antibiotics, oncology, and cardiology. Therefore, it is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative pharmaceutical companies.
Presence in the Philippines
MSD Philippines operates as MSD Human Health (Philippines) Inc., with offices in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. For decades, MSD has contributed to both public immunization programs and private sector vaccination.
Its vaccines Gardasil® 9, Pneumovax® 23, MMR® II, and Varivax® are registered with the Philippine FDA and are widely used in hospitals, corporate clinics, and occupational health programs. MSD also provides medical education to healthcare professionals, promoting evidence-based immunization practices.
Shared Commitment to Prevention
Through its partnership with MSD, Affinity Vaccines provides access to scientifically validated vaccines with proven protection against HPV, Pneumonia, MMR, Chickenpox, Hepatitis, and Shingles. This collaboration supports Affinity’s mission to help organizations invest in long-term employee health through prevention rather than treatment.
Empower your workforce with vaccines developed by MSD, trusted by health professionals worldwide.
Contact vaccines@affinity.com.ph to begin your corporate immunization program today.
📩 Request for a Corporate Vaccination Proposal