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Lucerne, September 14, 2023 – This year’s awareness campaign, “Say No to Breast Cancer, Say Yes to Early Detection” will take place in the Pink Cube from September 29 to October 28. In the “Pink Cube” containers in Liestal, Chur, Baden and Zurich, gynecologists will offer visitors free consultations and breast examinations, and will demonstrate to women how to examine their breasts themselves at home. The awareness campaign is an initiative of MSD and is supported by the patient organization EUROPA DONNA Schweiz and the co-organizers GILEAD and AstraZeneca.

On the occasion of the Breast Cancer month of October, the awareness campaign “Say No to Breast Cancer, Say Yes to Early Detection” will take place for the second time in a row. On two days each, the Pink Cube will be at four sites in German-speaking Switzerland. This year, they will be in Baden and Zurich once again, and in Liestal and Chur for the first time. The awareness campaign is aimed at women and men of all ages and calls on them to take personal responsibility and actively participate in breast cancer prevention. Gynecologists in local practices will offer visitors free consultations and breast examinations and show women how to examine their breasts themselves at home. The awareness campaign is supported on site by women from the breast cancer patient organization EUROPA DONNA Schweiz.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide¹

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide.¹ In Switzerland, breast cancer is the second most common cancer with about 6,500 new diagnoses every year in women, and 50 in men.² The risk of becoming ill with breast cancer increases significantly starting at age 50, but a quarter of those affected are younger than 50 at the time of the diagnosis.^1,3
Around 10-15% of women affected receive the diagnosis of TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer), an aggressive form of breast cancer that occurs more often in younger women.⁴

Early detection and treatment of breast cancer can save lives

Even though the treatment options have improved considerably and many patients live cancer-free today, about 1,400 women and 10 men die from breast cancer each year in Switzerland.² This makes breast cancer the third most common cause of death from cancer (after lung cancer and colon cancer) in Switzerland.² An early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be crucial.

Dates and locations of the Pink Cube

Sep. 29 / Sep. 30	Liestal
Oct. 05 / Oct. 06	Chur
Oct. 20 / Oct. 21	Baden
Oct. 27 / Oct. 28	Zurich

Pink Cube in Liestal

Where:	Rathausstrasse 37, Liestal
When:	Friday, September 29 from 2 PM to 6 PM and Saturday, September 30 from 9 AM to 1 PM
On site:	Dr. med. Sonja Ebner with the team of the Breast Center Baselland and members of the breast cancer patient organization EUROPA DONNA Schweiz

Pink Cube in Chur

Where:	Alexanderplatz, Chur
When:	Thursday, October 05 from 1 PM to 7 PM and Friday, October 06 from 1 PM to 7 PM
On site:	Dr. med. Martina Maranta and Dr. med. (I) Christina Prevost with the gynecology teams of the University Hospital Zurich and Cantonal Hospital Graubünden and members of the breast cancer patient organization EUROPA DONNA Schweiz

Pink Cube in Baden

Where:	Bahnhofplatz, 5400 Baden
When:	Friday, October 20 from 1 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, October 21 from 10 AM to 4 PM
On site:	PD Dr. Nik Hauser with the team of the Aargau Gynecologist Center and members of the breast cancer patient organization EUROPA DONNA Schweiz

Pink Cube in Zurich

Where:	Train station Zurich Stadelhofen
When:	Friday, October 27 from 1 PM to 7 PM and Saturday, October 28 from 9 AM to 4 PM
On site:	Dr. med. (BG) Alina Staikov und Dr. med. (I) Alessandra Moscaroli with the gynpoint-team and members of the breast cancer patient organization EUROPA DONNA Schweiz

Invitation for members of the media

You are cordially invited to visit the Pink Cube in Liestal, Chur, Baden and Zurich.
For your reporting, we will be glad to provide you with interview texts and photographic material of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Upon request, we will give you the personal contact information of Christina Christen, President of EUROPA DONNA Schweiz. If you are interested, please contact the public relations representative, Susanne Thost, Credo GmbH PR & Communications at sthost@credo-pr.ch, Tel. +41 79 356 23 84.

About EUROPA DONNA Schweiz

EUROPA DONNA Schweiz is an organization of women with breast cancer, doctors, politicians and other committed personalities. In Switzerland, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. But breast cancer is not solely a women’s problem. It affects the entire healthcare system and people’s working and private life. EUROPA DONNA Schweiz organizes and supports various activities, and by means of networking and political lobbying, stands up for all women in Switzerland to ensure that they receive optimal early detection, treatment and follow-up care for breast cancer. With visible campaigns, such as the 19,500 bras on the Bundesplatz, EUROPA DONNA Schweiz already promoted the introduction of a Swiss-wide mammography screening program in 2008. EUROPA DONNA Schweiz is part of the European Breast Cancer Coalition that 47 member states belong to. It is the only patient organization for women with breast cancer in Switzerland that also actively supports the political interests of its members.
Further information: www.europadonna.ch / www.simplythebreast.ch
www.facebook.com/europadonnaschweiz/

Further information:

• Awareness campaign in the Pink Cube www.pinkcube-testyourbreast.ch
• Breast cancer and TNBC – Facts in Switzerland www.msd-gesundheit.ch/de/krebs/brustkrebs
• EUROPA DONNA Schweiz: www.europadonna.ch / www.simplythebreast.ch
• MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme www.msd.ch/en/
• GILEAD www.gileadswitzerland.ch/en/
• AstraZeneca www.astrazeneca.ch/en/

Public relations contact “Breast cancer awareness campaign in the Pink Cube”

Susanne Thost
Credo GmbH PR & Communications
Public relations representative for “Breast cancer awareness campaign in the Pink Cube”
sthost@credo-pr.ch | Tel. +41 79 356 23 84.

References

1. https://gco.iarc.fr/today/data/factsheets/cancers/39-All-cancers-fact-sheet.pdf, viewed on Sep. 04, 2023
2. https://www.krebsliga.ch/ueber-krebs/zahlen-fakten/-dl-/fileadmin/downloads/sheets/zahlen-krebs-in-der-schweiz.pdf, viewed on Sep. 04, 2023
3. https://www.krebsliga.ch/ueber-krebs/krebsarten/brustkrebs, viewed on Sep. 04, 2023
4. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/triple-negative.html, viewed on Sep. 04, 2023

About MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

CH-NON-02363, 09/2023

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Lucerne, September 10, 2023 – Merck Sharp & Dohme AG (MSD) Switzerland hit the pedals with a will for a good cause once again this year: The pharmaceutical company showed their support for cancer patients and promoted cancer research in Switzerland as a co-sponsor of the charity cycling marathon Race for Life in Bern on September 10. The participation of numerous employees in the event also made a strong statement.

Race for Life 2023: showing commitment for cancer patients in Switzerland

This is the second year in a row that MSD Switzerland has co-sponsored the Race for Life, together with the UCI, the University Cancer Center Inselspital and Just AG. Race for Life was brought to life 13 years ago to collect donations to support cancer patient and foster public awareness of the challenges that they and their families must face. This year, the donations will go to the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK), the Swiss Cancer Foundation and the allani Kinderhospiz Bern. After all, the focus of the cycling marathon is not actually the race – instead, it is the joy of life that can at least in part be returned to those affected through our support.

Race participants in the charity cycling marathon can choose to tackle various routes that will allow them to “clock up” donations. There are three different route lengths to choose from: the 5-km Aare-Promenade «Bern-Marzili», with a climb of 96 m, the 17-km Gurten-Bergpreis stretch with a climb of 440 m, and the extremely challenging 31-km Panorama Challenge «Bern-Längenberg» with a climb of 580 m. But there are many other ways to support cancer patients that do not involve cycling, such as being a team patron, donor, volunteer, or participant in the Yoga for Life or Kids4Kids activities.

MSD Switzerland employees getting involved for cancer patients

The fight against cancer is an integral part of everyday working life for MSD Switzerland employees. Race for Life gives these employees a visible way to show their solidarity with patients and their relatives by hitting the pedals. Last year, around 80 MSD employees took part in Race for Life. This year, more than 130 gave up their free time to cycle for a good cause. Participation in this event is voluntary, which highlights the strong sense of social responsibility and commitment among the MSD Switzerland employees.

Cancer patients in Switzerland

Some 45,000 people in Switzerland are diagnosed with cancer each year¹. This diagnosis can dramatically change someone’s life. It is precisely during these difficult times that those affected, along with their families, social, and professional contacts, are most dependent on support from cancer organizations. But these organizations can only offer appropriate support if they receive adequate funding.

MSD Switzerland supports various cancer organizations in Switzerland by sponsoring and participating in Race for Life to make sure that cancer patients and their loved ones get the help that they so desperately need. Race for Life also offers an important platform for highlighting the challenges that cancer patients and their relatives in Switzerland have to face, even mobilizing support out of solidarity.

Hitting the pedals together – because every step counts in the fight against cancer

MSD Switzerland is proud to be a part of the valuable community initiative, Race for Life, which supports the lives of cancer patients. MSD employees taking part in this event do so with zeal and dedicate themselves to supporting cancer patients in Switzerland during their free time.

Further information

• Race for Life, raceforlife.ch
• Krebsliga Schweiz (=Swiss Cancer League), www.krebsliga.ch
• MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) Switzerland, www.msd.ch/en/
• SAKK (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Klinische Krebsforschung = Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research), www.sakk.ch
• Swiss Cancer Foundation, www.swisscancerfoundation.ch
• allani Kinderhospiz Bern (=allani Pediatric Hospital Bern), allani.ch

References

1. Krebsliga Schweiz. Zahlen & Fakten: Die häufigsten Krebsarten in der Schweiz. (= Facts and Figures: The most common cancers in Switzerland) www.krebsliga.ch/ueber-krebs/zahlen-fakten. Last accessed: September 2023.

About Race for Life

Race for Life is a non-profit charity event collecting funds to support cancer patients and their families. The main objective of the event is to increase awareness of the challenges associated with cancer while simultaneously promoting a sense of community and fun through various activities – from cycling to yoga, and even including a children’s program. Race for Life 2023 starts at the Bundesplatz in Bern on Sunday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. Private individuals can also support the event: take part as a cyclist, either on your own or as part of the team, or as a volunteer assistant or sponsor. You can register at raceforlife.ch.

About MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago
Policy & Communications Switzerland
media.switzerland@msd.com I Tel. 058 618 30 30

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

CH-NON-02344, 09/2023

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Lucerne, June 5 2023 – MSD Switzerland (MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) firmly believes that equality, diversity and inclusion are key success factors within the company. As a key factor for motivation in the workplace and ensuring equal career opportunities, fair compensation is part of the company’s commitment. The results of a salary audit conducted by an external partner confirm that equal pay is part of the culture at MSD Switzerland, in all parts of the business. MSD Switzerland was awarded the We Participate label for our work on promoting diversity as well as the Swiss LGBTI label for our commitment and support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Equal pay for equal work & equal career opportunities

Generally, there is an increased focus and commitment to ensuring fairness and creating equal opportunities among employees. The fact that all human beings have equal rights – and are entitled to equal pay for work of equal value, to name one example – is enshrined in Switzerland in the revised Federal Act on Equality between Women and Men.¹

The MSD Fair Pay Analysis

Since the introduction of the Gender Equality Act (GIG) in July 2020, companies operating in Switzerland with more than 100 employees are required to conduct an equal pay analysis.¹ For this purpose, MSD Switzerland commissioned Willis Towers Watson, a company specializing in running fair and equal pay analyses. The MSD Fair Pay Analysis was completed in 2021/2022 and included around 1,000 employees of MSD Switzerland. The results of the analysis, which were reviewed and approved by an independent and accredited auditor, confirm that MSD Switzerland complies with the legal requirements for equal pay² and thus meets the imperative of “Equal pay for equal work.”

MSD Switzerland continues to take its social responsibility of rewarding their employees no matter the gender equally very seriously and will continue to conduct audits on remuneration equality in the future.

Commitment also to women’s networks and more inclusion

In addition to the equal pay already established, MSD also remains committed to equal opportunities for women: at MSD Switzerland, the future target for management positions held by female and male employees is 50/50.

To date, MSD has 10 Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) and Action Networks worldwide, including internal women’s networks and networks dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, employees of different ethnic backgrounds and next-generation employees. In 6 of the total of 10 Employee Business Resource Groups, which aim to promote inclusion at all of the company’s sites, employees and managers from MSD Switzerland are also involved.

MSD Switzerland honored with Swiss LGBTI Label & We Participate Label 2023

MSD has a long tradition of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) stands for people who differ from the majority of the population in their sexual orientation, gender identity and gender characteristics.

Further information

• Federal Office for Gender Equality, www.ebg.admin.ch/ebg/en/home.html
• Willis Towers Watson, www.wtwco.com
• Swiss LGBTI Label, www.lgbti-label.ch/en/
• Universität St. Gallen www.diversitybenchmarking.ch/en/

References

1. Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, Bundesverfassung über die Gleichstellung von Frau und Mann. Stand: 1. Juli 2020: https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1996/1498_1498_1498/de

2. Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft, Beschaffungskonferenz des Bundes (BKB). Lohngleichheit für Mann und Frau. Stand: 17. Dezember 2022. https://www.bkb.admin.ch/bkb/de/home/themen/arbeitsschutzbestimmungen-und–bedingungen–lohngleichheit/lohngleichheit-fuer-frau-und-mann.html

About MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago (Policy & Communications Director)

media.switzerland@msd.com | Tel. 058 618 30 30

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

^CH-NON-02283

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Schachen, June 20, 2023. Today MSD Werthenstein BioPharma GmbH officially unveiled a new research laboratory building at its Schachen facility. Nearly CHF 20 million have been invested in the project over the past three years. The new building represents a substantial expansion of laboratory capacity at the facility. “In the future, more than 20 analysts and engineers will work in the additional 350 square meters the laboratory space makes available,” says site manager, Dr. Corinna Lenz.

The development of analytical methods for new active substances and medicines is one of the main focuses at MSD’s Schachen facility. Just under one sixth of the approximately 490 employees work in this area. “The need for additional laboratory capacity here has increased dramatically in recent years, and we are very pleased to now have the new laboratories up and running,” said Dr. John Naber, Director of Biological Analytical Research and Development. The new area houses various specialized laboratories, focusing on a range of activities from the examination of cell cultures, bioassays and PCR analyses to mass spectroscopy or biochemistry activities.

The Schachen facility has classically been utilized to develop methods to analyze starting materials as well as intermediate and end products. Now, the facility will also be working on analysis methods that can be used to seamlessly monitor and control a continuous production process. Continuous production processes are still very much the outliers in the pharmaceutical industry due to the fact the technical and regulatory requirements are extremely high. The new laboratories are also undertaking the ongoing goal to further advance development within its walls.

Following the official unveiling of the new facilities, all employees at the site had the opportunity to visit the new building and have their colleagues explain the wide range of devices and equipment.

More information

• 60 years of MSD Switzerland, www.msd.ch
• Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern/Trend Days Health Lucerne, www.trendtage-gesundheit.ch
• Allianz Gesundheitskompetenz/Health Literacy Alliance, www.allianz-gesundheitskompetenz.ch
• Top Employers Institute, www.top-employers.com

About MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

About MSD Schachen

Approximately 490 employees from around 30 countries work at MSD Schachen, and it is one of only two sites in MSD’s global network that provides patients who are participating clinical trials with new medicines. The clinical trial medicines are packaged and labeled here and then shipped to clinical trial sites around the world. In recent years, MSD has continued to expand this site, which specializes in development programs. In total, investments approaching CHF 150 million have flowed into Schachen since 2012. In addition to developing analytical methods, MSD has a clinical-scale biotechnical production facility here that manufactures new active substances and also has capacity to complete sterile packaging for new medicines. The facility also has a forensic laboratory that works to combat counterfeiting of MSD products; it is one of three facilities that maintains this focus within the worldwide MSD network.

Media Contact MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago (Policy & Communications Director)

media.switzerland@msd.com | Tel. 058 618 30 30

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

^CH-NON-02251

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Lucerne, June 5 2023 – MSD Switzerland (Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its first Swiss subsidiary in Lucerne this year. At the same time, the company confirms its commitment to the site and the Lucerne region. With five subsidiaries in the country, including four in the Lucerne region, Switzerland is one of the most important hubs for MSD worldwide.

MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is one of the world’s leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies
with a history spanning more than 130 years. MSD is focused on scientific innovation to provide medicines and vaccines that can help millions of people around the world. In 1894, George W. Merck took the helm of the company founded by his father. MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme) is known as Merck & Co. in the United States and Canada.

MSD has also been operating in Switzerland for 60 years: the first Swiss subsidiary was established in 1963. Since then, MSD Switzerland has successfully developed into an organization with five local subsidiaries.

One of the largest employers in the Lucerne region

Including the employees of the innovation and development center The Circle in Zurich, around 1,000 employees from more than 54 nations work for MSD in Switzerland. With four sites in the Lucerne region, MSD is one of the largest employers in the Lucerne region. As a certified Top Employer, MSD attaches
great importance to fostering diversity and inclusion as well as the professional and personal development of its employees.

Loyalty and commitment to the Lucerne region

The groundwork for the new site on the Rösslimatt site in Lucerne was completed at the end of 2022. With the relocation to the new premises planned for 2025, MSD is consciously retaining its loyalty to the city of Lucerne. In the new complex, MSD will be part of the innovative and vibrant Rösslimatt area in Lucerne, which is planned as a hub of science, research and creativity. Thus, with the relocation, MSD is focusing on the expansion of already existing synergies in the Lucerne region.

In Switzerland, long-term partnerships and support for local projects are an integral part of social commitment: in the Lucerne area, for example, MSD Switzerland also assumes responsibility for the community. The company is involved, for example, in the Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern (Health Trend Days Lucerne) and the Allianz Gesundheitskompetenz (Health Literacy Alliance). Through a partnership, MSD also supports the non-profit organization Madame Frigo, dedicated to combating food waste, and sponsors the Race for Life bike marathon for the benefit of people affected by cancer as well as promoting cancer research.

Activities of MSD in Switzerland

MSD’s operational activities in Switzerland include the local, regional and global area of Human Health, as well as the global Supply Chain Management. Switzerland is also part of MSD’s global clinical research program: the team at the Lucerne facilities is currently coordinating more than 40 clinical trials in Switzerland in the fields of oncology, infectious diseases including lung and liver diseases (as of March 2023). At the Schachen site, MSD manufactures drugs for global clinical trials and operates a forensic laboratory. In addition, MSD has a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents and adults, such as human papillomavirus/HPV or varicella zoster virus/VZV («chickenpox»).

MSD’s long track record of success

Merck & Co. has a long history of successful innovations and achievements in healthcare (Fig. 1). The company was founded in 1891 and launched the first diphtheria antitoxin just four years later. In 1942, MSD began producing penicillin and shortly thereafter (1944) synthesized cortisone for the first time. In
1971, an MMR (“measles, mumps and rubella”) vaccine was released by MSD, and 6 years later, a pneumonia vaccine. In subsequent years, MSD received regulatory approval for additional vaccines:
against hepatitis B (1986) and against human papillomavirus/HPV (2006). In 1996, MSD was granted marketing authorization for a therapy against the human immunodeficiency virus/HIV, and in 2006 a drug against type 2 diabetes was approved. Clinical research continued steadily, enabling MSD to launch a number of innovative targeted cancer therapies in 2014. Finally, in 2020, MSD played an important role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

MSD has been committed to improving people’s health worldwide for more than 130 years through the discovery and development of important medicines and vaccines. For 60 years, also the Lucerne region has played a significant role as an important MSD hub.

About MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

More information

• 60 years of MSD Switzerland, www.msd.ch
• Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern/Trend Days Health Lucerne, www.trendtage-gesundheit.ch
• Allianz Gesundheitskompetenz/Health Literacy Alliance, www.allianz-gesundheitskompetenz.ch
• Top Employers Institute, www.top-employers.com

Media Contact MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago (Policy & Communications Director)

media.switzerland@msd.com | Tel. 058 618 30 30

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

^CH-NON-02238

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Lucerne, March 29, 2023 – The annual Lucerne Health Trend Days symposium was held across March 22 and 23 at Lucerne’s Culture and Convention Center (KKL Luzern). Through this event, the organizing association, Forum Gesundheit Luzern, is creating a national platform to facilitate the exchange of experiences and encourage attendees to form opinions on trends and perspectives in healthcare, and once again welcomed around 600 influencers and decision-makers in the areas of medicine, science, business and politics. This year’s event centered on the fascinating topic of “Psycho+Somatic: interactions between body and mind”. – MSD also believes it has a responsibility to focus on the health and wellbeing of its patients and employees.

As a leading biopharmaceutical company based in Lucerne, MSD Switzerland (Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) has supported the Lucerne Health Trend Days since 2013. In the words of Jean-Blaise Defago, Director Policy & Communications at MSD in Switzerland: “MSD has supported Lucerne Health Trend Days for many years as a principal partner, and has remained firmly committed to the region throughout its 60-year history in Lucerne. The central location and stable environment have been key in choosing the location of our site. MSD Switzerland would like to continue its tradition in Lucerne, and to that end, will merge three of the five MSD sites in future, bringing 650 jobs under one single address at our new, sustainable urban site in Lucerne’s Rösslimatt district.”
Gabriele Grom, Executive Director, Public Policy Lead, Mid-Europe Region at MSD, took part in this year’s panel discussion on mental health and wellbeing in a fast-paced business environment. The mental health and wellbeing of employees is of the utmost importance at MSD. The objective is to never lose sight of the goal of providing employees with the best possible working environment: one in which they can learn, grow and succeed, but also be given the opportunity to experience an error culture. This is also reflected in the fact that MSD has been awarded the  “Top Employer” certification for the 11^th consecutive year.

Mens sana in corpore sano

This year’s debates and discussions centered around the fascinating topic of interactions between the psyche and the body. For example, the paradigm shift in psychosocial care, similarities and differences between psychosomatics and psychiatry, digital interventions for mental illness and how the brain turns stress into pain were all explored during fascinating expert presentations and roundtable discussions.

4 Questions for Gabriele Grom, mag., Executive Director, Public Policy Lead, Mid-Europe Region at MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme)

Mental health and wellbeing are central to a company like MSD that focuses on people’s health. What does MSD provide as a means to care for its employees’ wellbeing?

Gabriele Grom: Our employees’ mental health and wellbeing is a top priority at MSD. That’s why we offer our staff a range of programmes in different areas.

• At the onset of the COVID pandemic, for example, MSD introduced a new policy that gives employees and managers in Switzerland full flexibility over how much and how often they work away from the office (such as working from home and remote working).
• We also hold workshops on psychological safety as a way to help create a high-trust working environment.
• At MSD Switzerland, all new parents have been able to take 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave since 2020, irrespective of their gender, within the first twelve months after adopting a child or welcoming a newborn.
• All our employees worldwide also have free, unlimited access to the Calm app, which offers a wealth of tips and fascinating information about mental health.

“Our employees’ mental health and wellbeing is a top priority at MSD.”

Gabriele Grom

“Diversity” and “inclusion” are integral in today’s society. How can one imagine this as an outsider?

Gabriele Grom: Increased “employee engagement”, improved economic success and greater innovative strength are just a few positive aspects of having a diverse workforce. MSD is actively committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. One of the ways which we’re doing this is through our internal networks such as the Womenʼs Network, Next Generation Network, LGBTQI Network and the Network for Employees of African Descent. These initiatives are key milestones on the way toward a better working environment for all MSD employees in Switzerland. and illustrate our company’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing. MSD was also honored to receive the Swiss LGBTI Label in 2021, a certification awarded to companies and organizations with an open and inclusive culture.

“MSD’s internal networks, such as the Women’s Network, represent the company’s values and beliefs, and are designed to help employees achieve the best possible balance between personal life and career.”

Gabriele Grom

Does MSD also have an “error culture”? How do you deal with setbacks?

Gabriele Grom: Yes, we have and encourage an “error culture” at MSD. As a company, we want to continue to develop in order to improve. This also includes acknowledging mistakes, analyzing them and learning from them. With this in mind, we’d also like to challenge our employees to blaze new trails and find innovative solutions. To motivate employees to share mistakes with others and see them in a positive light, we’ve created what we call “error awards” in many countries.

How would MSD like to be perceived as a pharmaceutical company?

Gabriele Grom: MSD’s Swiss subsidiary, which has its headquarters in Lucerne, is one of the most important MSD sites in Europe. MSD isn’t just an innovative biopharmaceutical company; it’s also an active partner and committed player in the Swiss healthcare system. MSD Switzerland makes an important contribution to the prevention of and education about diseases, and is also involved in the Health Literacy Alliance and its sponsorship awards, which are awarded every two years. As a member of the Round Table on Antibiotics, the company is committed to incentivizing and providing access to new antibiotic treatments. MSD is a principal partner in various platforms designed to facilitate exchange regarding healthcare policy, including the Lucerne Health Trend Days and Race for Life.

Thank you very much for this interview.

As principal partner of the Lucerne Health Trend Days, MSD would like to continue to look ahead at the future challenges and opportunities in the debate and make a sustainable contribution to the further development of the Swiss healthcare system.

About MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

More information

Weitere Informationen:

• MSD Schweiz (Merck Sharp & Dohme AG), www.msd.ch
• Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern, www.trendtage-gesundheit.ch
• Allianz Gesundheitskompetenz, www.allianz-gesundheitskompetenz.ch

Media department MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago (Policy & Communications Director)

media.switzerland@msd.com | Tel. 058 618 30 30

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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March 7, 2023 – For the second time now, research institute gfs.bern was commissioned by MSD Switzerland to carry out a representative survey of the population regarding the quality of cancer care in Switzerland. The survey was distributed to around 100 people who currently have, or have had, cancer. The topics of early detection and early treatment of cancer were rated important to very important by over 90% of survey participants. The comparison with the first survey also shows that after two years of pandemic, cancer care has resumed normal operations, with chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments up by around 20–25% as compared with the previous year. What’s interesting is that a consistent, national cancer strategy received positive feedback from 84% of participants.

According to the MSD Cancer Care Survey, carried out by gfs.bern for the second time now,
gaps in the provision of cancer care were closed again in 2022. General satisfaction with Swiss
cancer care remains high, which is testament to the high quality of our cancer care system.
1,258 people from all over Switzerland took part in the survey, which was provided in three
languages (German, French, Italian) – either over the phone or online.
Top Results for Hospital Care, Drug and Therapy Provision
Even if interest in health policy is no longer as high as it was last year in Switzerland, it is still
very high at 75% (strong interest or very strong interest). As a result, the quality of cancer care
in Switzerland is rated as exceptional. Above all, hospital care, medication and other therapies
are ranked as very good. Only 4% of respondents thought that cancer care was bad or very
bad.

Improvements Required in Speed, Coordination and Support

If we take a closer look at the different elements involved in cancer care, however, there is
certainly room for improvement for various aspects and interfaces. For example, delays
relating to diagnosis, finding specialists and starting therapy were criticized by around 20 to
25% of survey participants. The coordination of various service providers involved with cancer
care and inpatient and outpatient rehab (such as “Spitex” home care services) were only rated
“Good” or higher by about half of respondents. Bringing up the rear with positive responses
from around 45% of participants were the areas of psychological support for people with
cancer and their relatives, support outside of medical care (e.g. professional, legal, familyrelated
matters), and support for relatives acting as caregivers.

Deficiencies in Early Detection, Prevention and Aftercare

Around 100 people (approx. 8%) responding to the survey were affected directly (at the time
of the survey or previously). People with a history of cancer stated that they followed the
treatment guidelines and that they would follow the same treatment regimen again if they
had the choice. They would have been happier if their cancer had been discovered earlier,
however, and if they had received more information about cancer prevention. There was also
some criticism for the coordination of the various actors involved in cancer care, for nonmedical
services and for the support of caregivers. In terms of the person’s individual
difficulties, the physical and psychological impact and a lack of quality of life were mentioned.
It is, therefore, all the more important that Switzerland provides more support in terms of life
after cancer – particularly given the growing population of cancer survivors.

Desire for a National Cancer Strategy

The majority of participants favored a national cancer strategy: 84% would definitely or
probably vote “Yes” if asked. The most commonly cited arguments in favor are – reflecting the
results of the 2021 survey – that Switzerland requires more coordination in the fight against
cancer, and that the prevention and early detection of cancer are also more economic over
the long term. For those affected, it is also important that not every cancer patient has specific
problems. A consistent national strategy would therefore help everyone affected.

(*) MSD Krebsversorgungsmonitor 2022, Krebsversorgung Schweiz: Mehr Koordination gewünscht. gfs.bern. [MSD Cancer Care Survey 2022, Cancer Care in Switzerland: More Coordination Required.] December 2022. Download the full report at: https://cockpit.gfsbern.ch/de/cockpit/krebsversorgungsmonitor-2022/ Also available upon request from the Media Spokesperson below.

gfs.bern Research Institute

The research institute that bears overall responsibility for the survey, gfs.bern ag, can draw on a long tradition of empirical social research. Founded in 1959 as the Gesellschaft zur Förderung der empirischen Sozialforschung der Schweiz (GfS), it started operating as a separate business unit of GfS-Forschungsinstitut AG from 1986 with the aim of conducting social empirical research with a focus on politics and communication research. The unit became its own company in 2004 as gfs.bern ag. gfs.bern sees itself as a methodical, full-service provider with clear areas of specialism. The company’s market presence aims to achieve quality leadership in applied social research (in concrete terms: survey research with face-to-face, phone, online, and written interviews) and has been able to maintain this advantage in analysis to political opinion-forming processes for around 20 years. As such, gfs.bern has played a pivotal role in shaping empirical social research in terms of social policy and democratic decision-making processes in Switzerland. gfs.bern also has many years of experience in monitoring politics and policy processes. Holding teaching positions at the universities of Zürich, Berne and Fribourg, as well as at various higher education institutes, means we can contribute our findings to the world of education and to reflect upon our own work in an academic setting. For more information, please visit www.gfsbern.ch.

MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2022, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the tenth time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Media contact

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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Bern, March 7, 2023. The Health Literacy Alliance supports innovative projects for improving health literacy in Switzerland. To this end, it awards a range of prizes every two years.
The main prize, sponsored by MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme, goes to the project “Ado Academy (Académie des Pairs) of the Ado Association in Fribourg”. The projects “Oral Tumor Therapy” of the Oral Tumor Therapy Association and “Symptom Navi Program (SNP)” of the Swiss Association for the Promotion of Self-Management (VFSM) have been awarded joint first prize for achievement. The second prize for achievement has been awarded to the project “First-aid lessons for mental health in children and adolescents (ensa Teens Pilot)” of Pro Mente Sana.

The health literacy award ceremony was held on March 7, 2023, at the Health Promotion Conference in Bern. An international jury of thirteen experts in the fields of service provision, health policy, public administration, and research selected the following three projects from the dossiers that were submitted:

• The main prize of CHF 13,000, sponsored by MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme, goes to the project “Ado Academy (Académie des Pairs) of the Ado Association in Fribourg”:
  The main goal of this project is to prevent and reduce risk-taking behavior among peers in the same age group during parties. The measures aim to provide quality guidance to attendees of such events by implementing a range of projects tailored to the needs identified at such events. In particular, the measures have three priorities: event supervision, training for those in charge of prevention, and working together with a network of social-health providers who are committed to specific prevention topics.
  Further information: Association AdO (association-ado.ch)

• The projects “Oral Tumor Therapy” of the Oral Tumor Therapy Association and “Symptom Navi Program (SNP)” of the Swiss Association for the Promotion of Self-Management (VFSM) have been awarded joint first prize for achievement.
  The “Oral Tumor Therapy” Association develops approaches for specialists to enable their patients to take medication against tumors more effectively in accordance with the prescription. This is intended to strengthen and improve the skills and abilities of patients and caregivers for managing their situation independently, while at the same time improving the individual information and advice that patients receive from their doctors, nursing staff and pharmacists.
  Further information: Oral tumor therapy

• The “Symptom Navi Program (SNP)” project supports all cancer patients in Switzerland in coping with their illness and the consequences of treatment. It includes symptom fliers for those affected: Information on managing the symptoms of cancer as well as a concept for training specialists, thus supporting collaboration among cancer patients and specialists along the entire care chain.
  Further information: symptomnavi.ch

• The second prize for achievement goes to the project “First-aid lessons for mental health in children and adolescents (ensa Teens Pilot)” of Pro Mente Sana:
  The mental health first-aid course for teens aims to improve mental health literacy among all teenage groups by reducing stigmatizing behaviors and attitudes that often prevent young people from gaining access to the help and support they may need. Adolescents recognize mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety) and mental health crises (e.g., suicidal tendencies, self-harm) among members of their peer group and know how to support each other appropriately by consulting a trusted adult who is trained in providing first aid on mental health issues among young people.
  Further information: ensa – Home

About the Health Literacy Alliance

Health literacy refers to individuals’ ability to make decisions in everyday life that have a positive effect on their health. As a platform, the Health Literacy Alliance connects decision-makers in health care, science, education, politics, business and the media to promote health literacy in Switzerland. It was founded in 2010 by Public Health Switzerland, Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz (Health Promotion Switzerland), the Careum Foundation, the Association of Swiss Physicians FMH, and MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme.

Further information: www.allianz-gesundheitskompetenz.ch

Contact:

Allianz Gesundheitskompetenz

Barbara Weil

C/o FMH, Nussbaumstrasse 29, Postfach 300, 3000 Bern 15

Phone: +41 76 413 63 16, info@allianz-gesundheitskompetenz.ch

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Lucerne, February 21, 2023 – MSD Switzerland and Madame Frigo Join Forces to Fight Food Waste

In line with its commitment to sustainability, MSD Switzerland (Merck, Sharp & Dohme AG), which has offices in Lucerne and Zürich, is teaming up with non-profit organization Madame Frigo from 2023 to combat food waste. MSD Switzerland will primarily be supporting the running of two public fridges (frigos) in the city of Lucerne.

According to estimates, 250 grams of food are thrown out per person every day in Switzerland.

That equates to a plate of spaghetti every day. Food waste not only includes food itself, but also all the resources used to produce it, such as farmland, water, fossil fuels, and electricity. Numerous resources have already been consumed before the food even makes it into our homes. This means the waste is even greater when valuable food in our homes ends up in the trash instead of on our table. Food waste is responsible for around a quarter of environmental pollution caused by the food system across Switzerland.

In order to save as much of this food as possible from being thrown away early, Madame Frigo has been setting up public fridges (frigos) in various Swiss cities since 2015. They serve as free sharing platforms for food, which would otherwise have ended up going to waste. The company has over 100 fridges, which are set up and managed by volunteer helpers who between them volunteer more than 20,000 hours of their time each year. As a result, a total of over 150 metric tonnes of still-edible food is estimated to have been saved in the past year. Along with many private individuals, the work of Madame Frigo is supported by strong partners.

Our dietary habits not only influence our personal health, but they also have a direct impact on the environment and our society. Having a sustainable diet therefore not only means looking after your health, but it also means making an effort to handle food in an environmentally friendly manner, with a view to saving resources.

MSD not only sees it as its obligation to find innovative solutions for health problems around the world, but also to take responsibility for the environment, society, and its employees in line with a global Corporate Responsibility approach. – MSD Switzerland has therefore been part of Madame Frigo’s partner network to combat food waste since January 2023.

As a partner for the two fridges at the locations at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts/HSLU (address: Werftestrasse 1, 6005 Lucerne) and in the Tribschen district (address: Anna-Neumann-Gasse 5, 6005 Lucerne), MSD is supporting the work of Madame Frigo in the city of Lucerne, with the aim being to save as much food as possible from going to waste. As well as directly supporting the fridge locations, the aim is also to raise awareness among the employees of MSD Switzerland. The partnership between MSD Switzerland and Madame Frigo thus contributes to more sustainable behavior with food in the long term.

Table not trash:
Many thanks to everyone who takes action to help reduce food waste!

Your support is welcome! Would you like to set up and manage a community fridge on your property or in your district? If so, then send your proposal to info@madamefrigo.ch

MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland:

In Switzerland, MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 43 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the «Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern» and the «Alliance Health competence». In 2023, MSD received the «Top Employer Switzerland» award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

About Madame Frigo:

Madame Frigo is a non-profit organization that is working to combat food waste in Switzerland and promotes adopting a more conscious approach to food in private households. In order to achieve this, Madame Frigo provides public fridges to the Swiss population for sharing food. The organization currently provides over 100 fridges, which are set up and managed by volunteer helpers. At the same time, we implement various measures to raise awareness on the topic of food waste and take part in events and campaigns.

Media department MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago (Policy & Communications Director)

media.switzerland@merck.com | Tel. 058 618 30 30

Madame Frigo

Marilen Zosso, Management Madame Frigo, +41 41 521 32 20

marilen.zosso@madamefrigo.ch

MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG I Werftestrasse 4 I CH-6005 Luzern

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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Lucerne, February 1, 2023 – MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme AG) Switzerland appoints Dimitri Gitas as Managing Director taking over from Ans Heirman who joins Merck & Co in the US to assume a global role.

Dimitri Gitas (see picture) has been with MSD since 2004 holding various positions in global, regional, and local commercial roles.  Most recently, he was Managing Director of MSD Poland, leading the Polish team to new heights and obtaining a very strong presence in the Polish market. Over the last two years, Dimitri played a strong role in enhancing MSD’s position as a leader and preferred partner in healthcare in Poland and was elected to both the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association Board and the Board of Directors of AMCHAM Poland. With his extensive experience he will be driving a strong growth strategy and continue to identify and unlock opportunities for Oncology, vaccines as well as continue the strong momentum in Immunology and the hospital and specialty portfolio in Switzerland.

“I am very excited to join MSD Switzerland and continue to strengthen our position by accelerating our pipeline and providing patients with fast access to modern therapies“ explains Dimitri Gitas.  In addition to focusing on the growth strategy, the center of attention is on maintaining a strong corporate culture by investing in the success and well-being of employees. “Because our employees are our greatest asset, we empower and support them in their professional and personal lives offering development opportunities and we work to create an environment of mutual respect, inclusion and accountability.”

The Leadership Team thanks Ans Heirman for her commitment and wishes her and Dimitri all the best for their future endeavors within MSD.

About MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme

At MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme in Switzerland

In Switzerland, MSD Merck, Sharp & Dohme employs around 1,000 people at five sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At our site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, we operate the newly opened global innovation and development hub. Our main therapeutic areas are oncology, infectious diseases, immunology, and diabetes. We also operate a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. Switzerland is part of MSD’s global clinical research program with more than 30 clinical trials annually. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture drugs for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD also takes local responsibility for the community and has been involved in the “Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern” and the Alliance Health competence. In 2023, MSD received the “Top Employer Switzerland” award for the eleventh time in a row.

For more information, please visit msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

Media department MSD Switzerland

Jean-Blaise Defago (Policy & Communications Director)

media.switzerland@merck.com | Tel. 058 618 30 30

Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

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