Merck is a global pharmaceutical company that was founded in 1891 in Germany. It is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, with operations in more than 60 countries. Merck is known for its research and development of new medications and treatments for a range of medical conditions.
Merck's history dates back to 1668, when the Merck family began operating a small chemical business in Darmstadt, Germany. The company grew and expanded over the years, and in 1891 it was officially founded as E. Merck. In the early 1900s, the company began to focus on the development of new medications, and it quickly became a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
In 1917, Merck opened its first international subsidiary in the United States. The company continued to expand its operations in the United States and around the world, and in 1953 it merged with another pharmaceutical company, Schering AG, to form Merck KGaA. In the decades that followed, Merck continued to grow and develop new medications and treatments, and it became known for its innovative approach to research and development.
Today, Merck is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry. The company has a strong focus on research and development, and it invests heavily in new technologies and approaches to medicine. Some of the medical conditions that Merck is known for researching and treating include cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. In addition to its focus on research and development, Merck is also committed to providing access to healthcare for people in underserved communities around the world.
In recent years, Merck has faced a number of challenges and controversies. In 2017, the company was involved in a lawsuit over its drug Vioxx, which was found to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in some patients. Despite this and other challenges, Merck remains one of the largest and most successful pharmaceutical companies in the world, and it continues to be a leader in the development of new medications and treatments.