Merck operates in 140 countries including the Philippines

By Lynda B. Valencia

MANILA, Nov. 9 (PNA) -- Merck & Co., Inc. has outlined its global strategy following the completion of Merck's merger with Schering-Plough Corporation.

The new Merck, operating as MSD outside the United States and Canada, is a global health care leader aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long-term shareholder value.

The Philippines is an integral part of the company’s expanded global presence.

MSD is fully committed to bringing innovative medicines and vaccines to Filipinos as well as undertaking educational efforts that benefit patients and doctors and social programs that build the capacity of health professionals and non-government organizations (NGOs) to improve healthcare in the country.

Although MSD and Schering-Plough will remain separate legal entities in the Philippines for a period of time, their operations will eventually be integrated under the MSD name.

Chris Tan, managing director of MSD Philippines, commented, “This is an exciting time for our company as we advance our position as a strong, global health care leader that will make a substantial difference to patients around the world."

He added, "Thanks to the talent and dedication of our scientists and employees, the company will offer an outstanding clinical development pipeline that will greatly increase our ability to deliver important new medicines to patients.

"We look forward to continuing to meet and exceed the needs of our customers and providing them with the high-quality products and service they have come to expect.”

From the outset, Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal and consumer health products.

This portfolio is complemented by a robust pipeline with more than 15 promising late-stage candidates spanning critical therapeutic categories.

Merck now has approximately 106,000 employees and operations in more than 140 countries around the world, including emerging markets.

The company expects to generate more than 50 percent of its revenue outside the United States.(PNA)