Merck Research Laboratories Facilities Designated as “Milestones in Microbiology” Sites by the American Society for Microbiology
October 17, 2016 4:00 pm ET
Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada,
announced today that Merck Research Laboratories (MRL) facilities in
Rahway, N.J., and West Point, Pa., have been designated as “Milestones
in Microbiology” sites by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
for their contributions to anti-infectives and vaccines, respectively.
This is the first time a biopharmaceutical company has received this
recognition. The ASM Milestones in Microbiology program recognizes
institutions and scientists that have made significant contributions
toward advancing the science of microbiology.
“Merck is honored to be the first biopharmaceutical company to receive
this recognition from the American Society for Microbiology as we
celebrate our 125th anniversary,” said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter,
president, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are proud of our legacy of
antimicrobial research and remain steadfast in our commitment to
treating and preventing infectious diseases.”
The MRL facilities were designated as ASM Milestones in Microbiology
sites in recognition of the company’s research and development efforts
including:
-
Advancing a method of deep tank fermentation, in collaboration with
other pharmaceutical companies and government agencies, which paved
the way for the mass production of penicillin. -
Working with Selman Waksman (Rutgers University, N.J.) to secure one
of the earliest formal collaborations between private industry and
academia. This collaboration led to the demonstration that
streptomycin was effective for the treatment of tuberculosis. -
Establishing a natural product screening program that enabled Merck
researchers to develop several new antibiotic medicines by culturing
and screening organisms sampled from sites all over the world. -
Developing a treatment for river blindness (onchocerciasis) for
which Merck scientist William Campbell shared the 2015 Nobel Prize in
Physiology or Medicine. -
Developing a portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of several viral
and bacterial infections; research led by the pioneering vaccinologist
Dr. Maurice Hilleman.
“The Milestones in Microbiology program includes prominent sites that
fundamentally impact the microbial sciences. From the perspective of the
ASM, Merck Research Laboratories has met and exceeded all the criteria
required for recognition as a Milestones site. We are especially pleased
to recognize it as the first industrial Milestones site,” said Susan
Sharp, president of the American Society for Microbiology. For more
information about ASM’s Milestones in Microbiology program and a list of
previously-designated sites, visit www.asm.org/milestones-in-microbiology.
Merck’s Commitment to Infectious Diseases
For more than 80 years, Merck has contributed to the discovery and
development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious
diseases. Merck currently has 10 candidates in Phase 2/Phase 3 clinical
trials for the potential treatment or prevention of infectious diseases.
About Merck
For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to
help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States
and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic
therapies and animal health products, we work with customers and operate
in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We
also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care
through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more
information, visit www.merck.com
and connect with us on Twitter,
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Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the
“company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs
and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to
significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with
respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the
necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be
commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or
risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially
from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.
Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry
conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest
rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of
pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the
United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost
containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained
by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to
accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties
or delays; financial instability of international economies and
sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents
and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to
litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.
The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results
to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements can be found in the company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K
and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).
Media:
Pam Eisele, 267-305-3558
Ian McConnell, 908-740-1921
Investor:
Teri Loxam, 908-740-1986
Amy Klug, 908-740-1898
