Our team

In October we support Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know breast cancer is the most common cancer in women? At MSD, we show solidarity with those facing breast cancer and do everything we can to support further advances to help fighting the disease. Especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month October we support various activities to educate about the importance of prevention and early detection. Learn more about our commitment.

30.10.2025

Banner: MSD supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month October

In Switzerland, around 6,600 women and 60 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Although new therapies have improved the prognosis of patients with breast cancer, around 1400 women still die from the disease in Switzerland every year.

“We stand united for the mothers, sisters, daughters and loved ones impacted by breast cancer and do everything we can to drive further innovation to help save and improve lives.”

As with many other cancers, the earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chances of a cure. That’s why we support various initiatives to raise awareness!

Awareness campaign in the Pink Cube

In October, we are supporting the awareness campaign “PINK CUBE Test Your Breast” together with EUROPA DONNA Switzerland, the Swiss Cancer League, and many other sponsors.

The pink container “Pink Cube” travels through 11 cantons, where gynecologists will offer interested visitors free consultations and breast examinations. Everyone is invited to visit the Pink Cube.

Find out more here

Website about breast cancer

Our patient portal, MSD Gesundheit, contains detailed information about breast cancer, including risks and options for prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

In addition, the website offers answers to the most frequently asked questions about breast cancer and information on where affected people can get advice and support.

Visit the MSD Patient Portal

Pink Ribbon Charity Walk

A special moment for us! Every year, more than 50 colleagues take part in the Pink Ribbon Charity Walk as Team MSD Switzerland.

The solidarity walk celebrates survivors, remembers those that we have lost, raises awareness, and much-needed funds to work towards the vision of zero deaths from breast cancer.

MSD employees at the Pink Ribbon Charity Walk

Facts about breast cancer you should know

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for nearly one-third of all cancer diagnoses. In Switzerland, about 6,600 women and 60 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and around 1,400 women die from it each year. The rate of disease increases with age. Nevertheless, one in five women is younger than 50 at the time of diagnosis. Mammography is the most important examination for the early detection of breast cancer. It can reveal a tumor before it can be felt or causes any symptoms. Medical societies and the Cancer League recommend that women aged 50 and over have a mammogram every two years. Regular self-examination of the breasts also helps women become more familiar with their bodies and notice any changes that should be checked by a doctor.

The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of cure. That’s the message we want to get across to everyone!

About our clinical research in Oncology

Did you know that MSD operates one of the world’s largest and fastest growing clinical research programs in oncology? It currently includes more than 1,600 clinical trials. Switzerland is part of this research program. Our team currently coordinates 36 clinical trials in different tumor types (as of 10/2025). MSD is also one of the leading companies in the research of vaccines against preventable diseases, such as cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. In Switzerland, we collaborate with various partners to advance innovative solutions in cancer treatment. In recent years, we have made an important contribution to improving treatment options for cancer patients.

Find out more about our work here.

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Knowledge

Health protection through vaccination

Do you know diseases that vaccination can help to prevent? Here you can find out more.

30.10.2025

Vaccinations can protect us from disease by making our bodies immune in an intelligent way: they introduce substances into the body, such as a virus or bacterial component, that trick the immune system into thinking there is an infection. This prompts the body’s immune system to produce antibodies and activates an immune memory that can protect the body when it is confronted with the actual infection. This immunity can last for years, decades, or even a lifetime after vaccination.

The following overview shows some diseases and infections that vaccination can help to prevent (as of October 2025):

01.

Human papillomaviruses

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are widespread. To date, more than 200 types of the virus are known. A distinction is made between high-risk and low-risk HPV types. The latter can cause genital warts in women and men. These are harmless but rather unsightly and annoying skin changes (nodules) in the genital area. The high-risk types can trigger forms of cancer in women and men, such as cervical cancer or vaginal, penile, anal, and throat cancers.

02.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is an inflammation of the liver (jaundice), which is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus is transmitted via the blood or body fluids of an infected person (e.g. sexual intercourse). Hepatitis B is highly contagious. The infection is considered to be chronic if the virus is in the blood for longer than six months. WHO estimates that two billion people are infected by the hepatitis B (HBV) virus worldwide. 257 million of these are already chronically ill; over 880,000 people die every year as a result. In Switzerland, about 62,000 people live with hepatitis B.

03.

Pneumococcal Disease (PD)

PD is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus. Pneumococcal diseases occur sporadically worldwide – outbreaks are rare. Several million people are affected each year and over one million of them die, many despite timely antibiotic treatment. The burden of disease is particularly high for infants under 2 years of age,among those aged 65 years and older and people of all ages with chronic conditions such as chronic heart disease or chronic respiratory disease. In Switzerland, there are about 1000 severe pneumococcal infections per year, mostly pneumonia, less frequently blood poisoning or meningitis. Children under two years of age and persons over 65 years of age are mainly affected. A total of around 100 people die each year, of whom around 80% are over 65 years of age.

04.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infectious disease caused by the highly contagious varicella zoster virus (VZV). The virus causes a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness and fever. Chickenpox is most common in children but anyone who has not had chickenpox can get the disease.

05.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can occur at any age. It begins with fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, photophobia, inflammation of the oral mucosa and is often accompanied by cough, colds and sore throat. Uncomplicated cases heal quite quickly and without permanent consequences. However, there is a risk of complications such as brain inflammation (encephalitis; 1 per 1000 cases), pneumonia (measles pneumonia; 10 to 60 per 1000 cases) or middle ear inflammation (otitis media). Sometimes measles complications lead to death.

06.

Mumps

Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus. It typically starts with headache, discomfort and fever, followed by the characteristic swelling of the parotid glands. Mumps is generally a mild children’s disease that mainly affects children between the ages of five and nine. However, adults can also become infected with mumps, which can be associated with serious complications.

07.

Rubella

Rubella is a contagious, generally mild viral infection that occurs most often in children and young adults. While the illness is generally mild in children, it has serious consequences in pregnant women causing fetal death or congenital defects known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). The rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough. Humans are the only known host.

More information on protecting health through vaccinations: BAG Vaccinations & Prophylaxis

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Responsibility

What we do to support Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. A month dedicated to those affected and to raising public awareness about the causes, early detection and prevention of the disease. Did you know lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide? At MSD, we are committed to fighting lung cancer and improving cancer care. Learn how we support Lung Cancer Awareness Month.

29.10.2025

In Switzerland around 4,900 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year and about 3,300 die from it. Almost all new patients are over 50 years of age at the time of diagnosis. Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread. Therefore, they are often diagnosed at a late stage. If the cancer has already spread outside the lungs, the prognosis for patients is very poor. But because of new effective treatments, this is changing. Many people think a lung cancer diagnosis is a death sentence. However, over the past decade, new advancements have been made, which have led to more survivors and more hope for those facing the disease.

“At MSD, we show solidarity for those affected and continue to push for progress in cancer care.”

Despite how common lung cancer is, there are still many misconceptions about the disease. That’s why we support various initiatives to raise awareness!

Website for lung cancer patients

The website on the MSD Patient Portal provides detailed information on the main types of lung cancer, diagnosis and treatment options, answers to the most frequent questions and information on where patients can get advice and support.
In addition, lung cancer patients can download various checklists with questions to help them prepare for their next doctor’s appointment.

Visit the MSD Patient Portal (in German, French, Italian)

Image: lung cancer website in the MSD patient portal

LuftiBus

Many lung diseases develop unnoticed – early detection can make a decisive difference. Prevention begins with education. That is why MSD supports LuftiBus and LUNGE Zurich – in 2025 as main sponsor. Visitors to the LuftiBus can learn about respiratory diseases, early detection, and lung health, and lung health, and have a free lung check.
At MSD, we are proud to support this initiative as a sponsor, because prevention is a key contribution to promoting health.

Online lung check

In many cases, lung cancer is only discovered at an advanced stage. This may be because the signs and symptoms are also typical of other diseases and are not immediately associated with lung cancer.

Do you know the symptoms of lung cancer? Do you have symptoms that you should have checked out by a doctor?

Take the online lung check! (in German, French and Italian)

Facts about lung cancer you should know

Lung cancer is the third most common type of cancer in Switzerland. Around 4,900 people are newly diagnosed with it every year, around 3,300 die of it every year. While anyone can get lung cancer, your risk goes up if you are over 50 years old and currently smoke or smoked in the past. Not smoking is the most important measure to prevent lung cancer.

Lung cancer is not a death sentence. There are several treatment options, but early detection is key and can save lives. If you have an unexplained, persistent cough lasting more than three weeks or shortness of breath, visit your doctor!

About our clinical research in Oncology

Did you know that MSD operates one of the world’s largest and fastest growing clinical research programs in oncology? It currently includes more than 1,600 clinical trials. Switzerland is part of this research program. Our team currently coordinates 36 clinical trials in different tumor types (as of 07/2025). MSD is also one of the leading companies in the research of vaccines against preventable diseases, such as cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. In Switzerland, we collaborate with various partners to advance innovative solutions in cancer treatment. In recent years, we have made an important contribution to improving treatment options for cancer patients.

Find out more about our work here.

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Company

MSD Switzerland once again awarded with the Swiss LGBTI-Label

For the fourth time in a row, MSD Switzerland has been awarded the Swiss LGBTI-Label, a certification given to companies and organizations with an open, inclusive, and appreciative corporate culture.

18.06.2025

What does the Swiss LGBTI-Label mean?

The Swiss LGBTI-Label is a seal of quality for organizations based in Switzerland, or Swiss organizations that work for the internal equality of LGBTI persons.

LGBTI means persons who differ from the majority of the population in their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Diversity as a lived reality

At MSD Switzerland, diversity is not a short-term goal, but a central part of our corporate culture. We firmly believe that only a work environment in which all employees—regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or physical characteristics—feel safe and respected can foster innovation and sustainable business success.

Swiss LGBTI Label – a sign of equality in practice

The Swiss LGBTI Label was developed by the networks Network (Gay Leadership) and Wybernet (Gay Professional Women), in close collaboration with Transgender Network Switzerland, Pink Cross, LOS – Lesbenorganisation Schweiz and Rainbow Families.

The label is awarded based on a structured assessment process that takes into account factors such as organizational culture, leadership principles, HR processes, and internal communication.

Recertification takes place at regular intervals and confirms the company’s ongoing commitment.

Together for greater visibility

At MSD Switzerland, we are proud to once again hold the Swiss LGBTI-Label – as an expression of our belief that an inclusive workplace benefits everyone: our employees, our company, and society as a whole.

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Knowledge

Dr. Maurice Hilleman: “The father of modern vaccines”

25.05.2025

Vaccines are part of MSD’s history and are closely associated with Dr. Maurice Hilleman (1919-2005), the father of modern vaccine science. During his nearly 30-year career at MSD, he developed more than 40 vaccines for humans and animals. This legacy continues today thanks to our dedicated researchers.

The story of modern day vaccines began in 1796 when Dr. Edward Jenner inoculated 8-year-old James Phipps with cowpox as a way to protect him from smallpox. Jenner used the term “vaccination,” “vacca” being Latin for “cow.” In fact, it has been recognized for centuries that some diseases never reinfect a person after recovery. Smallpox was the first disease people tried to prevent by intentionally inoculating themselves with infected matter.

Dr. Edward Jenner inoculating 8-year-old James Phipps with cowpox.

Eight decades after Jenner published his findings, Louis Pasteur developed the first live attenuated bacterial vaccine. Attenuation is a process that weakens the bacteria or virus in a vaccine so it is less likely to cause disease, while still triggering an immune response similar to the natural infection. It would take many more decades for advances in basic and clinical research to make it possible for scientists to understand viruses well enough to begin developing vaccines that help protect against viral diseases.

DR. MAURICE HILLEMAN

The scientists who made giant strides in the fight against viral diseases included Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin. Dr. Maurice Hilleman, who led MSD’s Department of Virus and Cell Biology from 1956 to 1984, also belonged to that distinguished group of vaccine pioneers. Credited with helping to develop more than forty vaccines, Dr. Hilleman’s passionate commitment continues to inspire scientists in medical research laboratories to this day.

Dr. Hilleman was born and raised on a farm in Montana. It was a hard life, but a farm background was a great foundation for his later work. “When you are brought up on a farm, you have a lot of general knowledge,” he said. After graduating from the University of Chicago with a doctorate in microbiology and chemistry, Hilleman chose to work at a pharmaceutical company instead of academia.

Despite his many accomplishments, including helping to develop more than 40 human and animal vaccines, Dr. Maurice Hilleman’s name is virtually unknown by the general public and press. Yet his impact on public health is undeniable.

"Since Pasteur, he's done more for preventive medicine than anyone else."

Dale C. Smith

Chief historian at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD

"His commitment was to make something useful and convert it to clinical use. Maurice's genius was in developing vaccines, reliably reproducing them, and he was in charge of all pharmaceutical facets from research to the marketplace."

Paul Offit

Chief of infectious diseases, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Hilleman's biographer

In 1988, President Ronald Reagan awarded the National Medal of Science to Dr. Hilleman, and in 1997, he was honored with The Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal Award. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has called Dr. Hilleman one of the true giants of science, medicine and public health in the 20th century.

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Responsibility

Active at the Luzerner Stadtlauf

Exercise brings people together and promotes good health. As a sponsor of the 2025 Luzerner Stadtlauf (Lucerne City Run), we enabled 1,100 children to take part in the popular school run free of charge and were also at the starting line ourselves – with over 300 MSD employees and their families.

May 13, 2025

Luzerner Stadtlauf – more than just sport

Running not only strengthens the body – it also brings people together. We were able to experience this first-hand at the Luzerner Stadtlauf 2025. For over 45 years, it has been one of the most popular fun runs in Switzerland. Every year, it takes over 14,000 runners through the historic old town of Lucerne and attracts more than 25,000 spectators.

The team runs for primary schools are particularly popular. This year, MSD Switzerland covered the entry fees for 1,100 children in grades 3 to 6, enabling many of them to take part in the school run for free for the first time.

Dimitri Gitas, Managing Director MSD Schweiz

„Supporting the Luzerner Stadtlauf is a wonderful opportunity for us to show our commitment to the region and make a positive contribution to health, sport, and young people.“

Dimitri Gitas, Managing Director MSD Switzerland

Our MSD team was at the starting line

Whether young or old, over 300 MSD employees and their families laced up their running shoes and took part in various categories – whether in the company run, individual races, or together as a team. It was fun for the whole family and a successful team event!

48th Luzerner Stadtlauf – Saturday, April 25, 2026

The Luzerner Stadtlauf is a running event with distances ranging from 660 m to 7.0 km and is open to individual runners, company groups, families, school classes, and children. The 48th Luzerner Stadtlauf will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Additional information: https://www.luzernerstadtlauf.ch/

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Diversity and inclusion

Women at MSD

In the company’s more than 130-year history, many women have helped shape MSD.

02.05.2025

We introduce eight remarkable women who have paved the way for future generations.

01.

Ann Colon,

the first woman to celebrate 50 years with MSD.

Anna “Ann” Colon started in MSD’s packaging department in 1919. She became a manager in 1933.

When she retired after more than 50 years with MSD, she was the longest-tenured female employee in the company to date.

02.

Grace Winterling,

the first female corporate officer at MSD.

Grace Winterling began her career during World War II in the Priorities Department before taking on supervisory roles in the Systems and Procedures, Organizational Planning, and Office Services Divisions.

In 1954, she became an administrative assistant to the Corporate Secretary. She was elected to Assistant Secretary in 1957 – a role that made her the first woman to become one of the companies corporate officers. The fact that a female executive had been named was so remarkable that it made headlines in local newspapers.

After 15 years in corporate leadership, Grace was named president of the company’s Foundation, which continues continues to fund qualified, eligible nonprofit and philanthropic organizations today. Grace retired in 1983 after 40 years with MSD.

03.

Susan Jenkins,

the first african-american female chemist at MSD.

Susan R. Jenkins started at MSD Research Laboratories (MRL) in 1957 as one of the first African-American female chemists in the company, working on synthesizing enzymes, in addition to other activities.

She later moved to Human Resources, where she held various leadership positions, most recently as Senior Vice President of Human Resources.

04.

Marian S. Heiskell,

MSD’s first woman elected to Board of Directors.

Marian S. Heiskell, Director of Special Activities at the New York Times Company, became the first woman elected to MSD’s Board of Directors in 1973.

She retained her seat on the Board for 18 years until she stepped down in 1991. Marian Heiskell was a well-known philanthropist and newspaper executive and died in 2019 at the age of 100.

05.

Dorothy Bowers,

MSD’s first vice president of environmental and safety policy.

Dorothy Bowers joined MSD in 1974 as an engineer in the Environmental Department.

In 1982, she was promoted to Senior Director of Environmental Control. 10 years later, she was appointed to the newly created position of Vice President of Environmental and Safety Policy. Committed to ensuring our company was a leader in protecting the environment, Dorothy spearheaded numerous processes for reducing the company’s emissions and chemical releases, making MSD a model for the industry as one of the first companies to publicly commit to pollution reductions.

By 1999, after 25 years with the company, Dorothy had helped elevate environment protection to be among our highest business priorities before her retirement.

06.

Christine Stubbs,

the first woman to earn a chemical engineering degree from Howard University.

Christine “Chris” Stubbs began working at MSD in 1983 as the first woman to earn an engineering degree from Howard University.

From then, she was one of the company’s most active employees in promoting equal opportunity. After 10 years with MSD, Chris managed materials logistics at the Flint River manufacturing facility in Albany, Georgia, where she supervised 31 employees. This alone was impressive, but it was her additional work promoting diversity that earned her recognition as one of the 1993 Black Engineers of the Year from US Black Engineer magazine.

07.

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole,

the first african-american female board member at MSD.

Dr. Cole joined the MSD Board of Directors in 1994 and retained the seat until 2009.

She was also the first African-American president of the prestigious Spelman College for African-American Women and also the first African-American woman on the Board of Directors at the Coca-Cola Company.

As early as 1997, Dr. Cole asserted that diversity was a smart investment for businesses, most notably stating, “Let’s address the question as to whether diversity in the American workforce is the right thing to do or the smart thing to do. The answer is: it is both.”

08.

Deborah Dagit,

MSD’s first Chief Diversity Officer.

Deborah Dagit worked as MSD’s first Diversity Officer for 12 years.

Deb, who had been instrumental in getting the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act passed by Congress, helped our company tie diversity and inclusion initiatives directly to the company’s business practices and results. In 2010, she established MSD’s employee business resource groups (EBRGs) that are still active today. Deb retired from our company in December 2012.

We promote innovation through diversity and inclusion

Worldwide, MSD promotes a working environment with the aim of making people feel comfortable regardless of culture, age, sexual orientation or gender. Diversity and inclusion have been an integral part of the corporate culture for many years. This is also reflected in the numbers e.g., around 50% of those who fill management positions in Switzerland and worldwide are women.

MSD Women’s Network

In 1995, a group of female MSD employees in the USA got together to found the MSD Women’s Network. The network is committed to gender equity. It now has 57 chapters worldwide and over 9,000 members, both women and men.

In Switzerland, around 400 employees are involved with the MSD Women’s Network.

MSD as an employer

Would you like to work with us to further develop our medicines and healthcare solutions, to continuously improve medical care and to bring inspiration to new generations? Become part of our team!

To the MSD job portal

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Company

Together Against Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the greater the chances of recovery. At MSD, we are committed to strengthening early detection. That’s why, in 2022, we initiated the PINK CUBE – an ever-growing breast cancer awareness initiative. We are proud that PINK CUBE has been recognized with two awards.

4. April 2025

PINK CUBE Test Your Breast was awarded the prestigious Audience Award and the Responsibility Award from SPONSORING SCHWEIZ at the 6th Night of Sponsoring at the Kunsthaus Zürich in the presence of around 280 guests. This award recognizes PINK CUBE Test Your Breast as a unique and innovative initiative built on strong partnerships and sponsors with a common goal: to fight breast cancer.

PINK CUBE Test Your Breast

PINK CUBE Test Your Breast is a unique initiative aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer and the important role of early detection. In the PINK CUBE, gynecologists offer free consultations and breast palpations. Visitors learn what a lump feels like and how to self-examine their breasts to detect changes.

In addition, PINK CUBE Test Your Breast actively engages with the media and policymakers to advocate for the implementation of organized mammography screening programs in all Swiss cantons.

2024 Results

During the Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October 2024, the pink container visited five cantons and reached over 2.7 million people in the media with its important message about early detection.

Nearly 500 people were screened in the PINK CUBE, with possible signs of breast cancer detected in 32 women and 2 men. At the same time, the PINK CUBE contributed to progress in the political discussions around the introduction of mammography screening programs.

These achievements were only made possible through strong partnerships and the multi-sponsorship support of companies including MSD, Gilead, Roche, Exact Sciences, Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Eli Lilly.

„We are proud to have launched this important breast cancer awareness initiative and to continue supporting it as a main sponsor,” says Dimitri Gitas, Managing Director of MSD Switzerland. ”The success of PINK CUBE clearly demonstrates the need for equal access to cancer prevention and early detection – a goal that can be achieved through a national cancer strategy.“

Coverage of mammography costs in the early detection program

If a test is carried out as part of an early detection program, the costs are covered by the basic insurance without being added to the deductible. Participating women only pay the excess of ten percent (about 20 francs). Women aged 50 and over receive informational materials and an invitation to an early detection mammogram by post every two years.

PINK CUBE Test Your Breast 2025 Roadshow

In September and October 2025, the PINK CUBE will visit the 11 cantons that have not yet implemented a mammography screening program.

For more information, visit: www.pinkcube-testyourbreast.ch

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Infectious Diseases

Our commitment to HIV treatments and prevention through the years

We continue to work at the forefront of the fight against HIV.

11.02.2025

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) continues to be a major public health threat. The virus can lead to AIDS.

Since 1985, our company has been engaged in research and development (R&D) efforts in the prevention and treatment of HIV. Over the years, our scientists have made significant discoveries that changed the way HIV is treated.

Here are some historical moments highlighting this effort:

In 1982, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first used the term “AIDS,” or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, to describe the clinical syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Julie Gerberding, chief patient officer, recalls: “I started my training at the University of California at San Francisco at the very beginning of the AIDS epidemic and took care of the earliest patients there who, in retrospect, we recognize had AIDS. It was a truly frightening disease. There were so many unknowns, including how it was transmitted.”
In the mid-1980s, MSD launched its HIV research program in response to what it perceived as a potential epidemic. Our scientists were among the first to discover and develop medicines for the treatment of HIV.
We were the first to publish the crystal structure of HIV protease, which is an enzyme which is essential for virus infectivity.
In 1992, MSD joined other pharmaceutical companies to create the Inter-Company Collaboration for AIDS Drug Development to research HIV treatments. By 1993, we were undertaking the biggest research program in our history, deploying more scientists to investigate AIDS than any other disease and testing tens of thousands of compounds.
The HIV/AIDS community continued to speak out for action. In 1995, Linda Distlerath, former executive director, Public Policy and MSD Research Laboratories Public Affairs, spent time reading letters sent from thousands of AIDS patients and activists urging MSD to produce a treatment for the disease quickly.
After years of study and development, MSD developed one of the first protease inhibitors. In 1995, prior to FDA approval, in conjunction with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, patients and HIV advocacy groups, MSD offered a program that made its new HIV treatment available at no cost to selective patients before it was commercially available.
In 1996, the HIV treatment received FDA approval in a record-setting 42 days. It was an important early achievement in making HIV a survivable infection.
In 2012, The NAMES Project Foundation – with support from MSD – launched Call My Name national tour to bring attention to the distressing trajectory of the HIV epidemic in the Black communities in the U.S. The tour included creating new panels for the AIDS memorial quilt and educational workshops in 10 high-prevalence cities.
Daria Hazuda, VP, infectious disease discovery and chief scientific officer, MSD Exploratory Science Center has led the team working to identify new ways to attack and treat HIV.
In 2021, we entered into an agreement with Gilead to work together in the global HIV community in the fight against HIV.

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Knowledge

What is Von Hippel-Lindau disease?

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL disease) is a rare genetic disorder in which multiple tumors and cysts can grow in various parts of the body.

11.04.2024

Picture: the human body and the places where VHL can cause tumors and cysts

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is caused by a genetic defect that leads to the development of various, mostly benign tumors (accumulations of tissue) and cysts (fluid-filled cavities in tissue). They can often occur in the brain and spinal cord, in the retina, in the kidneys, in the pancreas, in the inner ear, but also in other parts of the body.

If left untreated, the disease can be life-threatening.

VHL disease is rare

VHL disease occurs in about one out of 36,000 people. Around 200,000 cases are known worldwide. The precise time at which the first signs of the disease appear and how severe the course of the disease is can vary greatly.

At the time of diagnosis, those affected are on average 26 years old. In around 97% of people with a VHL gene mutation, symptoms appear by the age of 65. Men and women are equally affected.

Cause of the disease

The cause of Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a defect in the so-called VHL gene.

In healthy people, the VHL gene produces a protein that prevents the development of tumors. In people with Von Hippel-Lindau disease, this gene does not function as it should. It cannot produce enough protein to prevent tumor formation.

In most cases, VHL disease is inherited

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is inherited in a manner known as “autosomal dominant”.

This means that if one parent has a defect in the VHL gene, each of his/her children has a 50% chance of inheriting this gene and developing the disease.
Approximately 80% of affected people have a parent with VHL disease.
In around 20% of those affected, VHL disease occurs without either parent being affected.

Clinical presentation

VHL disease is also known as “multisystem disease”. This is because several tumors and cysts typically grow in various organs.

Most VHL tumors are benign. However, as they grow larger, they can cause discomfort and pain and, if left untreated, they can significantly impair quality of life.

Possible medical findings in VHL disease:

Tumors in the brain and spinal cord
They can cause headaches, dizziness, and neurological symptoms.
Tumors in the retina
They can lead to visual impairment.
Kidney diseases
These include kidney cysts and renal cell carcinomas (kidney cancers).
Pancreatic diseases
They include cysts and tumors in the pancreas.
Tumors and cysts in other organs, such as the liver, lungs, or reproductive organs.

Important: the clinical presentation varies from person to person. The age of onset and the course of the disease also vary from person to person.

Diagnosis

There are indications and criteria that may indicate VHL.

These include:

Family history
There are cases of VHL or other genetic tumor diseases in the family.

Ongoing tumor diseases
Presence of cysts and tumors in various organs in the body..

Since the disease is caused by a genetic defect, genetic testing is crucial to confirm the diagnosis. Individuals with a genetic predisposition to VHL should be closely and regularly monitored by a team of specialists from various disciplines.

Therapy

Thanks to intensive research in recent years, medical knowledge and therapy options for treating VHL disease have significantly improved. Nevertheless, the treatment remains complex. The main aim is to remove tumors and cysts, if possible, to reduce their size or stop their growth before they become so large that they cause permanent discomfort.

Treatment options include:

Surgery to surgically remove tumors or cysts.
Laser therapy for certain tumors, for example of the eye.
Radiotherapy to reduce the size of the tumor.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a procedure in which cancer cells are killed by heat.
Medication therapies to contain tumor growth.

The suitability and timing of these treatment options vary from person to person and depend on the specific tumors, symptoms, and overall health condition.

Picture: Doctor in conversation with patient

Information for medical professionals

For further information on MSD medicines and vaccines, please visit mymsd.ch, the web portal exclusively for medical professionals.

to mymsd.ch

Information for patients

Are you looking for information about specific diseases, their causes, symptoms, prevention or treatment? Discover msd-gesundheit.ch, the information platform exclusively for patients.

to msd-gesundheit.ch

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