2000s
The Center for Therapeutic Research at Merck Frosst Canada & Co. expands to meet growth in research.
In partnership with the Botswana government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Merck donates free antiretroviral medicines to help fight HIV/AIDs in a country where one-third of adults are HIV-positive.
1990s
The Merck Manual of Geriatrics and The Merck Manual—Home Edition are first published.
Merck expands its free MECTIZAN donation program to include prevention of lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) in Africa. The MECTIZAN program helps 30 million people in 30 countries.
Five new drugs are launched in one year—MAXALT, AGGRASTAT, PROPECIA, COSOPT and SINGULAIR—the most in company history.
SINGULAIR becomes the world's fastest-growing asthma medication.
In response to stronger Canadian patent laws, Merck Frosst Center for Therapeutic Research is created and Kirkland facilities expand.
1980s
Merck develops the first genetically engineered vaccine approved for use in humans.
Merck begins free donation of MECTIZAN (ivermectin) for treatment and prevention of river blindness (onchocerciasis), a disease endemic in Africa, Central and South America.
Merck establishes the Neuroscience Research Centre in England.
Merck buys a majority share in Banyu, one of Japan's leading pharmaceutical companies - a first for a US firm operating in Japan.
MSD Canada, Frosst and Merck Frosst Laboratories merge to form Merck Frosst Canada Inc.
1970s
Merck's non-US operations produce 47% of its total sales volume, making it the top US phamaceutical company in sales abroad.
Merck develops a vaccine against meningitis A, C and AC.
With its innovative modular plant in Ballydine, Ireland, Merck reaches new standards in engineering, safety, quality control and efficiency.
1960s
Merck Frosst Laboratories is created to research and manufacture products for MSD Canada and Frosst.
Merck acquires the Canadian pharmaceutical company Charles E. Frosst & Co.
MSD Italy is established with headquarters in Rome.
1950s
Charles E. Frosst company goes public, with 225 pharmaceutical products on its list, all developed in the Frosst laboratories.
Dr. Maurice Hilleman starts the Merck vaccine program.
Merck & Co., Inc. and Sharp & Dohme merge to create MSD International in 1953 with an extensive global distribution network already in place. A new Canadian subsidiary—MSD Canada—is formed.
1940s
Merck develops a means of mass-producing penicillin.
Merck spearheads innovations in vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12).
Merck plays a key role in making cortisone available to treat arthritis.
1930s
Merck develops streptomycin—the first breakthrough treatment for tuberculosis.
Merck builds a modern laboratory in Rahway, New Jersey and quickly becomes one of the most innovative organizations in biomedical science.
1920s
Frosst becomes the first producer to synthesize and market vitamin D in Canada—leading to a comprehensive line of Frosst vitamins.
1910s
Merck & Co., Inc. sets up its first foreign subsidiary in Canada.
Frosst develops revolutionary analgesic tablets 217® (ASA+caffeine) and 222® (ASA+caffeine+codeine).
1890s
The Merck Manual of Medical Information is first published in 1899.
Charles E. Frosst establishes his pharmaceutical company in Montréal in 1899.
George Merck comes to the United States in 1891 and sets up Merck & Co., Inc. in New York City.
1668
Frederic Jacob Merck, an apothecary, opened a chemical firm in Darmstadt, Germany.
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