Looking back at 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to look back at a year of transformation and progress, and the achievements that characterized 2023 and will continue to inform our work in the future.  

The word “transformation” is defined as a complete change in appearance or character. At Merck, we strive to be the Science and Technology pioneer delivering breakthrough solutions for society in the realm of Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics. We want to innovate with speed and courage to create customer and patient value, and ultimately advance human progress. You could say, in many ways, our goal is to transform.  

From the launch of important partnerships, investments and technologies to scientific progress and sustainability initiatives, here is a roundup of our steps to positively impact the lives of our patients, customers and employees from 2023. 

#Renewable energy to cover 100% of our current electricity purchases in Europe from 2025 

Our company has signed virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for a total of around 300 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy per year. “If humanity is to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis, it’s vital that global industry leaders accelerate their transition to renewable energy. By covering 100% of our purchased European electricity with renewable energy certificates from 2025, and advancing our efforts across all other regions, Merck continues to demonstrate its global leadership. We remain fully on track to reach climate neutrality by 2040,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. 

#Merck to become first provider to offer fully integrated mRNA services 

mRNA has emerged as the breakthrough technology of this century, providing great promise to not only treat, but potentially cure, a wide array of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and muscular dystrophy. We are now the first CTDMO (contract testing, development and manufacturing organization) to streamline the entire mRNA process for our clients.  

#Our company launched a Fertility Benefits program for employees 

A comprehensive Fertility Benefit program offers employees financial support for fertility treatments. “As a long-time leader and pioneer in fertility, we understand the tremendous emotional and financial burden infertility can have on individuals and families. We are delighted that through our Fertility Benefit program, we can support our employees as they strive to fulfill their dream of parenthood. This is one example of how Merck prioritizes employee well-being and fosters a culture where all can belong, grow, and thrive,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck. 

#Positive CHMP opinion by EMA for arpraziquantel to treat schistosomiasis in preschool-aged children 

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion for arpraziquantel. With this positive response by EMA, a critical milestone was achieved to broaden the range of options for the treatment of schistosomiasis so as to address the needs of millions of preschool-aged children. 

#Merck announced significant investment in the world’s largest integrated Specialty Gases facility in Hometown, Pennsylvania 

Our company announced an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support expansion plans at our semiconductor manufacturing site in Hometown. This expansion is part of our Level Up growth program, announced by our Electronics business sector in late 2021, which aims to invest over € 3 billion in innovation and capacity expansion projects by 2025. The roughly € 300 million investment in the Hometown site will further develop the world's largest integrated Specialty Gases facility and support the success of Merck's Semiconductor Solutions business, one of our "Big 3" growth engines.