Merck & Co., also known as Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD) outside of the United States of America, is a research-driven pharmaceutical corporation which focuses on the development, manufacturing, and marketing of human and animal health products.
Merck’s flagship and highest selling product is Zocor, a drug that controls cholesterol levels, grossing annual sales of over $5 billion. The company likewise markets Fosamax for osteoporosis; Cozaar/Hyzaar for hypertension; Vioxx for pain relief; and Singulair for chronic asthma, with each product garnering over $2 Billion in yearly sales each.
The company focuses produces several products and vaccines deemed important for developing countries such as Crixian and Sustiva/Storcin, anti-retroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS; Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenza type b vaccines; and Mectizan, donated to treat onchocerciasis or river blindness and the prevention of lymphatic filariasis.
With a global presence in around 150 countries, Merck places high importance on preferential pricing on HIV/AIDS drugs, which eases healthcare access for those in need. In Southern Africa, Merck has granted the license to produce generic Stocrin, which enables access to this drug in less economically developed communities.