Menu Our Work in Antibiotic Research For more than 80 years, Merck has contributed to the discovery and development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious disease. Today, Merck is a global leader in antimicrobials with a proud heritage, broad portfolio and innovative pipeline. OUR HISTORY Merck's Research Laboratories played a central role in the development of antimicrobials Merck, in collaboration with Rutgers University, developed one of the first methods for mass production of penicillin Merck markets a number of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral products and vaccines for the treatment or prevention of infectious diseases in markets around the globe We're not done yet. We need to maintain our commitment and our interest and continue to bring our full capability set to trying to do more to help solve the problem of infectious disease.” Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., executive vice president & chief patient officer, Merck MERCK IS COMMITTED TO: Maintaining active R&D programs to address unmet medical needs in the prevention and treatment of infectious disease Monitoring trends in antibacterial resistance as exemplified by our longstanding commitment to surveillance studies Supporting responsible use of antimicrobials to help slow development of resistance and preserve current therapeutic options Advocating for improvements in regulatory guidance and financial incentives to support and accelerate innovation in the development of new antimicrobials, vaccines, services and solutions “Merck is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies with a continued focus on anti-infective research and development. We develop treatments for serious infections and promote appropriate use of these products. As such, the need for patient-centered antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is fundamental to our work.” - Elizabeth D. Hermsen, Head of Global Antimicrobial Stewardship, Merck READ OUR PUBLIC POLICY REGARDING ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE FINDING SOLUTIONS TO ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE There is a critical need for solutions to manage the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. INNOVATION Research and innovation will lead to the development of new antibiotics. STEWARDSHIP Antimicrobial stewardship promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials to reduce resistance. POLICY Policies can help spur innovation and regulate the use of antibiotics. OUR COLLABORATIONS In addition to our own antimicrobial research efforts, Merck also works with scientists across the world. Through its Merck Innovation Network (MINt), the company actively collaborates with leading scientists in the antimicrobial field to investigate novel therapeutic targets, evaluate new pathways for drug targeting and develop novel tools and technologies. Merck has a number of ongoing collaborations with scientists at universities including Harvard, Yale and Princeton. THE RACE AGAINST RESISTANCE - A CONTEST WITH NO FINISH LINE Dalya Guris, M.D., M.P.H., executive director, Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories, on leading our product development teams, a dedicated group of people committed to being one step ahead in the fight against disease-causing bacteria. LEARN MORE THE UNIQUE ROLE OF PUBLIC POLICY IN ADDRESSING ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE Nicole Mahoney, director, Global Regulatory Policy, Merck, on how antimicrobial resistance is forcing policy makers to rethink the way diseases are managed, from how infections are diagnosed and tracked to how anti-infectives are developed and used. LEARN MORE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION New Therapies Mean New Ways to Attack Infections READ MORE Copyright. © 2009-2017 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Forward-Looking Statement Privacy Terms of Use Site Map