![Hero Image](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/06/Change-Sign-after-merger-1956-e1684858228834.jpg?resize=666,664)
60 Years of MSD Switzerland
Our Success Story
Our success story began with a branch office in Lucerne in 1963. It has been shaped by significant milestones that have made us who we are today – one of the leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies in Switzerland.
How it All Began and Who we are Today.
Our Milestones in Switzerland
![Men sit at the table and sign contracts](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2021/06/1963-First-Swiss-Subsidiary-founded.jpg?resize=650,544)
1963
MSD’s first Swiss branch opened in Lucerne
In the same year, Schering-Plough opens a branch office in Lucerne with Essex Chemie AG.
(Schering-Plough and MSD undergo a global merger later.)
![Festively dressed people on the terrace](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/06/Eroffnung_WerthensteinChemieAG_1976.jpg?resize=650,544)
1975
MSD Research and Development Center opened in Schachen
Schering-Plough expands its presence within Switzerland and opens a Research and Development Laboratory in Schachen (LU) – Werthenstein Chemie AG.
![woman looking at the camera](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/1987-MSD-introduced-the-first-commercial-statin.jpg?resize=650,544)
1990
MSD launches the first commercially available cholesterol-lowering drug
![A team of researchers stands smiling in the laboratory](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/1996-CRIXIVAN.jpg?resize=650,544)
1996
MSD is successful in gaining approval for a drug to treat HIV
Following FDA approval of MSD’s active ingredient in the USA in a record time of 42 days, the HIV drug is also approved in Switzerland. It was instrumental in making HIV a survivable infection.
![Female scientist at work in the laboratory](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2021/06/2006-First-cervical-cancer-vaccine-AV10096A.jpg?resize=650,544)
2006
MSD launches first vaccine against cervical cancer
The vaccine protects against certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are the most common cause of cervical cancer.
![Scientists Thornberry and Weber smile at the camera](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2006-JANUVIA-122313_Thornberry_Weber-e1631944580583.jpg?resize=650,544)
2006
MSD launches first oral therapy for type 2 diabetes
![Many people sitting in a lecture hall](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/11/2009-Merger-with-Schering-Plough.jpg?resize=650,544)
2009 - 2011
MSD and Schering-Plough Merger
The Swiss subsidiary, Essex Chemie AG, and MSD Switzerland merged in 2011 and have since been known as MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG.
The former Essex Chemie AG site in Lucerne serves as the new headquarters for the merged companies.
![Cancer cells](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2020/10/oncology.jpeg?resize=650,544)
2015
MSD achieves a breakthrough in cancer therapy
MSD receives accelerated approval for a novel cancer drug. It is the first anti-PD-1 therapy that increases the ability of the body’s immune system to recognize and fight tumor cells.
![People in protective clothing in front of tents in Ebola area](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2021/06/2019-Ebola-MSD-along-with-international-agencies-DSC08425.jpeg?resize=650,544)
2021
MSD’s Ebola vaccine receives approval
![](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/06/Logo-60-Jahre-MSD-Schweiz-V05-RGB.jpg)
MSD Switzerland - Who We Are Today
![Scientist working in the lab](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/06/Scientists-RY-Fume-hood-1390-2048x1365px.jpeg?resize=404,268)
![MSD Switzerland recognized as a Top Employer for the 12th consecutive year](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2024/02/AboutUs-MSD-Top-Employer-2024.jpg?resize=404,268)
We are a Top Employer
We are a top employer for our 1,000 staff members, for the 12th time in a row.
![Two men shake hands](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2021/07/partner_title-e1626793083988.jpg?resize=404,268)
We are a trustworthy partner
... not just at "Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern" (Lucerne Health Trend Days) or at the "Race for Life".
![Doctor and patient discussing a document sitting at the table](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2022/12/AdobeStock_423742700.jpeg?resize=404,268)
We conduct clinical research
We coordinate around 40 clinical trials annually in Switzerland.
![MSD employees at Race for Life](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2022/12/DSC5889.jpg?resize=404,268)
We take our responsibility seriously
And one way of expressing this is our social commitment in various initiatives and projects.
![A men sitting on the table, smiling during a meeting](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2021/07/Our-employees-meeting-in-office_hi_300dpi-e1625836908643.jpg?resize=404,268)
We support diversity and inclusion
Women occupy 50% of our management positions. Diversity advances our success.
![Rösslimatt Lucerne ©Anliker](https://www.msd.ch/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/42/2023/06/Roesslimatt-Luzern.png?w=2000)
As of 2025 we will be operating in the Rösslimatt area of Lucerne
We are pleased to be bringing together three of MSD's five branches in the Rösslimatt area.
CH-NON-02244, 05/2023