MSD Switzerland Publishes First Sustainability Summary Highlighting Progress in Sustainability, Inclusion and Healthcare Innovation
05.03.2026 08:00 CET
MSD Switzerland Publishes First Sustainability Summary Highlighting Progress in Sustainability, Inclusion and Healthcare Innovation
Lucerne, March 5, 2026 – MSD Switzerland, a leading biopharmaceutical company, released its first Sustainability Summary today, showcasing significant achievements in sustainability, diversity and healthcare innovation across 2024 and 2025.
„At MSD Switzerland, sustainability is not just a responsibility – it’s a core part of how we operate and innovate. We are committed to advancing health while protecting the health of our planet. From reducing our environmental footprint to fostering equitable access to care, we are contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.“, said Jasper Kunow, Managing Director ad interim, MSD Switzerland.
„We are proud of the progress we’ve made together with our employees, partners, and communities and we remain dedicated to creating positive change for patients, society, and the environment.“
Legacy of Impact and Responsibility
Operating in Switzerland for over 60 years, MSD continues to deliver on its purpose of saving and improving lives. In 2024 and 2025, MSD was recognized as one of the world’s most sustainable companies by Time. In Switzerland it received the “Top Employer” award for the 12th and 13th consecutive years and was certified as a “LinkedIn Top Company” in 2025 as well as awarded the Swiss LGBTI-Label for its inclusive culture.
Driving Innovation and Access to Health
With more than 1,000 employees representing 70 nationalities, MSD Switzerland’s medicines and vaccines impacted over 700,000 people and 5 million animals in 2025 alone. The company has invested CHF 162 million in research and expansion since 2012, conducted over 60 clinical trials in 2024 and 2025, and partnered with more than 800 vendors. MSD’s commitment to health access is reflected in initiatives such as the PINK CUBE Test Your Breast cancer prevention campaign aimed at improving awareness, prevention, and patient advocacy.
Sustainability and Environmental Leadership
MSD Switzerland is dedicated to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across global operations by 2045. All electricity purchased for Swiss facilities comes from renewable sources, and the company’s Zurich office is LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certified while the new Swiss headquarters in Lucerne to be opened in April will be setting new standards for sustainable building design and employee well-being. MSD’s environmental efforts include waste reduction, resource efficiency, and accessibility improvements, such as the MOJO Gold certification for inclusive spaces.
Championing Diversity, Inclusion, and Employee Well-being
MSD Switzerland fosters a diverse and inclusive workforce, striving for gender parity and equal opportunities. The company supports seven Employee Business Resource Groups, a gender-neutral parental leave policy, and an ongoing diversity training. In 2024 and 2025, more than 60 female employees received HPV vaccinations, and employees dedicated over 1,000 hours to volunteering through MSD’s Corporate Volunteering Program. Financial literacy courses and wellness initiatives further empower employees and promote a collaborative culture.
Ethics, Integrity, and Community Engagement
MSD’s Ethics Ambassador Program ensures a safe environment for employees to voice concerns at each Swiss site. The MSD Pension Fund invested over CHF 80 million in ESG funds by the end of 2024, aligning financial goals with ethical values. The company’s Light-up initiative raises awareness for important causes year-round, celebrating diversity and supporting community well-being.
Links for further information
- MSD Sustainability Summary 2024/2025: Switzerland
- Sustainability and Global Health at MSD Switzerland
MSD in Switzerland
In Switzerland, MSD employs over 1,000 people at three sites in the cantons of Lucerne and Zurich. At the site in Zurich, in “The Circle”, MSD operates a global innovation and development hub. The main therapeutic areas of MSD are oncology, infectious diseases, cardiovascular, and cardiometabolic diseases. We also have a broad portfolio of vaccines for the prevention of diseases in children, adolescents, and adults. In addition, we are one of the leading companies in veterinary medicine in Switzerland. At our site in Schachen, we manufacture medicines for global clinical trials and operate a forensic laboratory. MSD conducts around 40 clinical trials annually in Switzerland alone. We take our responsibility to the local community seriously and have been involved for years in, among other things, the «Trendtage Gesundheit Luzern» and the «Alliance Health Competence».
For more information, please visit www.msd.ch, de.msd-animal-health.ch, www.msd-gesundheit.ch, www.mymsd.ch and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook und YouTube
You can find this and other press releases on our website in the protected area for media professionals: https://www.msd.ch/en/home/news/.
Media Contact
MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG, Werftestrasse 4, 6005 Lucerne. Switzerland.
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CH-NON-03174, 03/2026