Did you know that MSD employees can use 40 hours of paid working time each year to volunteer in various projects? Here you can find out how this can look like.
13 October 2023
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Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne und Zurich
Every year, our employees support voluntary activities for their communities. The Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich, organized together with the IG Sauber Umwelt (IGSU), are an example of such a volunteering opportunity.
Employees from all five MSD Switzerland locations were invited to roll up their sleeves on two days and help to rid the cities of Lucerne and Zurich of waste. A team of over 50 employees gathered to work together for this good cause.
«We have collected over 68 kg of waste and disposed of it correctly!»
Anabel D., MSD employee at the Citybay location, Lucerne
MSD employees in action
2.5 kg of cigarette butts collected
Clean-Up-Days in Lucerne and Zurich
Why volunteering is important to us at MSD
Volunteering at MSD means get involved for worthy charitable organizations on a voluntary basis during paid working hours. Another possibility is to contribute your professional skills to international projects within the MSD Fellowship for Global Health Programs.
Our volunteer commitment is a sign of solidarity. It aims to promote a culture of social interaction, improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people and benefit the community. Simply put, with our commitment we want to help and give something back to society and our environment. Those who volunteer also take advantage of the opportunity to network with other MSD colleagues and learn or improve skills that are not part of their everyday work routine.
«The Clean-Up-Days were a great experience and an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with colleagues from other locations.»
Rafael F., MSD employee at The Circle location, Zurich
Shortness of breath, tiring more quickly and reduced capacity are amongst the early signs of pulmonary hypertension. Learn more about this chronic disease.
26.09.2023
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Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic pathological increase in blood pressure in the pulmonary vessels that can result in a significant impairment of physical capacity. Due to its unspecific symptoms, it is often difficult to detect pulmonary hypertension. If it is not treated, it can be life-threatening.
Diagnosing pulmonary hypertension is not easy
The complaints are at first often mild and may also indicate other diseases such as asthma, bronchitis or chronic fatigue syndrome. That is why it can take on average up to 2.5 years to make a diagnosis. This is valuable time in which the patient is not receiving any effective therapy.
The initial symptoms of pulmonary hypertension may include:
Shortness of breath during physical exertion such as when climbing or going up stairs
Increased fatiguability
Feeling of tightness in chest
Heart palpitations, faster heartbeat
Dizziness during intense physical exertion
Reduced capacity
In an advanced stage, these complaints may occur:
Signs of a decreasing pumping power of the right heart, such as water accumulations in the legs (oedema) and distended jugular veins
Intense chest pain, as in a heart attack
Blue lips as a sign of reduced oxygen supply to the body, low or falling blood pressure readings in the systemic circulation
Treatment of pulmonary hypertension is done by a team of specialists
Only specialists with extensive experience can treat pulmonary hypertension because the therapy is complex and must be individually adapted to each patient based on the causes and symptoms. Therefore, it is important that those affected be treated in a specialised centre for pulmonary hypertension.
In Switzerland there are several specialised centres for pulmonary hypertension, so-called PH centres
In a PH centre, experts from different medical specialties collaborate in an interdisciplinary manner to enable patients with pulmonary hypertension to receive the therapy that gives them the greatest possible quality of life. The specialists are able to detect, diagnose and treat pulmonary hypertension. Moreover, PH centres are established for emergencies and offer those affected round the clock support.
The sooner pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed and treated, the sooner a patient can benefit from an improvement in the quality of his or her life. With our commitment, we wish to contribute to the clarification and early detection of the disease.
The Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Pulmonale Hypertonie SGPH [Swiss Society for Pulmonary Hypertension, SGPH] is a panel of experts and is available as a reference centre on the subject of pulmonary hypertension for physicians and patients.
Skin cancer prevention: Lunch & Learn about «Melanoma»
05.09.2023
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More than 100 colleagues took the opportunity to participate in today’s Lunch & Learn, either in person or online. The following is an excerpt of what they learned.
We are committed to the fight against cancer
Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest melanoma incidence rate in the world. Although the average age at diagnosis is 65, melanoma is also one of the most common cancers in young adults under 30, especially women.
«As one of the world’s leading companies in the field of oncology, we consider our responsibility to educate people about cancer and how to prevent it.»
Panos Neofytos, AVP, International Oncology Marketing
Facts about melanoma
There are different forms of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most severe form.
Melanoma can develop not only on the skin, but also, for example, in the eye or in the mucosal membranes.
The main risk factor for melanoma is UV radiation with sunburn, especially during childhood and adolescence.
Other risk factors include among others a large number of moles, family history, genetic susceptibility and a weakened immune system.
«The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the prognosis. It’s important to check the skin regularly.»
Lynda Benmahammed Bellagha, MD, Regional Director Medical Affairs Oncology
Melanoma patient Werner
Werner has a so-called “hidden” melanoma. In his case, the tumor grew inward without any external signs. When he was diagnosed with melanoma, it was twelve, not five to twelve. At the Lunch & Learn, he spoke with Nadia Pellanda, Director EUCAN Oncology Policy. His story is told here (in German, French and Italian).
«Before my illness, I didn’t really know anything about melanoma.»
Melanoma patient Werner and Nadia Pellanda, Director EUCAN Oncology Policy
The ABCD rule
We can actively contribute to reducing the risk of melanoma by ourselves. The most effective measure is sun protection. It is also important to check the skin regularly and to have conspicuous changes examined by a doctor. The so-called ABCD rule is a helpful support to recognize a conspicuous mole
Inside Schachen: a glance at our high-tech development center
Our MSD site in Schachen in the Canton of Lucerne is no ordinary site. It is a fusion of the most modern technology, innovative research and development, and an inspiring work environment.
13.07.2023
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Our site in Schachen plays a key role in the development of new, innovative medicines. Since its establishment in 1976, the site has continually grown. Today, about 490 employees from 30 countries work in Schachen.
Here is what we do in Schachen:
01.
We manufacture biotechnological active substances.
In Schachen, we have at our disposal biotechnical production on a clinical scale for producing new active substances, as well as capacities for sterile filling of new medicines.
02.
We supply medicines for global clinical studies.
Schachen is one of only two sites in MSD’s global network that provides new medicines for clinical studies worldwide. Here, the clinical test samples are packed, labeled and then shipped to clinical sites all over the world. The strictly monitored studies show whether the new medicines are effective and safe.
03.
We develop analytical methods for new active substances and medicines.
Analytical development is one of our main areas. In various specialized laboratories, we examine cell cultures, conduct tests with bioassays and offer everything needed to develop analysis methods for new active substances and medicines, from PCR analytics and mass spectroscopy to biochemical analyzes.
04.
We work on analysis methods that allow a continuous production process to be seamlessly monitored and controlled.
Continuous production processes in the pharmaceutical industry are still the exception because the technical and regulatory requirements are very high.
05.
We operate a forensic laboratory in which suspected cases of counterfeit medicines are investigated.
In Schachen, we operate one of three forensic laboratories worldwide with the goal of quickly detecting manipulations and counterfeits of MSD products. Our scientists work with the aid of analytical methods and highly specialized instruments to differentiate counterfeits from original products and, if necessary, to present the results in court as experts to support corresponding criminal prosecutions. They also work on further optimizing the counterfeit protection of MSD products worldwide.
«At the Schachen site, it’s not just a matter of the most modern technology and innovative research, but primarily about people. I am incredibly proud of our team, which works passionately and is committed to improve the lives of patients with ground-breaking discoveries and the development of new medicines. Their untiring commitment makes Schachen a place where we achieve greatness together.»
Do you know diseases that vaccination can help to prevent? Here you can find out more.
12.07.2023
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Vaccines help protect against diseases by very cleverly inducing immunity in our bodies. They present our bodies with a substance recognizable as the infection – for example a virus or bacterium constituent. This tricks the body’s immune system into producing antibodies and an immune memory, which then provide protection if exposure to the actual infection occurs. This immunity may be retained for years, decades, or even a lifetime following vaccination.
The following overview shows some diseases and infections that vaccination can help to prevent (as of June 2023):
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 44,000 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.
As a company with a long legacy of research in vaccines and infectious diseases, we’ve been committed to advancing an effective response to COVID-19 since it was first discovered.
11.07.2023
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«We’ve been focused on contributing our scientific expertise and experience to help address COVID-19.»
01.
Our oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine
In collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, we have advanced our research and development efforts for our COVID-19 medicine, making an important contribution to the care of COVID-19 patients.
We are working with health authorities to make our therapeutic option available worldwide.
02.
Access to health care
We have a long track record of making our medicines and vaccines accessible and affordable. Our comprehensive supply and access strategy has enabled timely and broad access to our COVID-19 medicine for patients around the world, including in low- and middle-income countries.
We have also provided UNICEF with up to 3 million treatment units for low- and middle-income countries.
Through our licensing agreements with generics manufacturers and the Medicines Patent Pool, more than 5 million courses of generic therapy have been delivered to 22 low- and middle-income countries through December 2022.
03.
Our commitment as an employer
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve prioritized the health, safety and well-being of our employees and their families and supported our health care providers and our communities, including through volunteer work and donation efforts.
We continue to research
We are proud to turn breakthrough science into medicines and vaccines that save and improve lives around the world. We focus on finding new solutions for today and the future.
Addressing antibiotic resistance is more critical than ever. Here’s why.
Since their development, antibiotics have transformed health care and saved countless lives globally. But rising levels of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) make current antibiotics less effective.
18.05.2023
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There’s no single or simple solution to the complex problem of AMR, but we’re committed to investing our expertise and resources alongside our partners to get much-needed antibiotics to those who need them most. Lives are at risk, and the time to act is now.
True to our company’s longstanding tradition of preventing and treating infectious diseases, we’re proud to commit to invest $100 million over 10 years in the new AMR Action Fund. Through this groundbreaking partnership of leading pharmaceutical companies, philanthropies, development banks and multilateral organizations, we aim to bridge the gap between the innovative early antibiotic pipeline and patients. New antibiotics are urgently needed. With this new fund for antibiotic research and development, our collective aim is to bring two to four new antibiotics to patients and physicians by the end of the decade.
Here are five key reasons to build on these collaborative efforts to address AMR:
01.
New antibiotics are urgently needed; however, there are relatively few in development.
AMR is a naturally occurring phenomenon through which bacteria build up defenses against antibiotics. The nature of resistance means that there is a continual need to develop new antibiotics so we can stay a step ahead of resistant pathogens.
MSD has remained committed to antibiotic R&D for over 80 years and brought forward new treatments each decade. However, major scientific, regulatory and economic challenges discourage innovation in antibiotics, resulting in a significant decline in the number of companies conducting antibiotic and antifungal R&D over the last two decades. Recognizing there is unlikely to be a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem, MSD and others have suggested a series of policy reforms across several regions of the world. However, time is running out. We need collaboration from policymakers across the globe to help antibiotic innovation flourish for decades to come.
02.
Once new antibiotics are approved, they need to be used appropriately.
While developing new antimicrobials is important, slowing resistance to current medicines is equally crucial. Appropriate antibiotic therapy can play an important role in treating patients with resistant infections and preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics.
We must work together to implement evidence-based policies and programs that support the appropriate prescribing and use of antimicrobials. At MSD, we are making significant investments to support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS), helping hospitals around the world to develop and implement patient-centered AMS programs that are customized at the local level based on factors like epidemiology, clinical setting and resource availability. We also provide significant grant funding to support a wide range of AMS initiatives and collaborations.
Some of our global contributions to AMS:
Supported the development of several AMS Centers of Excellence throughout the world
Helped public health leaders effectively monitor and address emerging AMR infections, promote AMS and customize accepted AMS strategies to meet local needs
Contributed toward meaningful standardized patient safety outcome measures for US hospital AMS programs
Funded a round of Discovery Awards (small seed grants to help diagnostic innovators get their ideas off the ground and improve their chances of winning the UK-based Longitude Prize)
03.
We must track resistance trends and use the data to inform on prescribing.
To ensure that antibiotics are being prescribed appropriately, clinical treatment guidelines must remain up-to-date and based on resistance trends. Surveillance studies can assist in identifying these trends in pathogen incidence and AMR, and can also identify emergent resistant strains.
At MSD, we work with public health bodies, health care professionals and diagnostics companies to inform appropriate antibiotic use by sharing surveillance data. One of the largest AMR surveillance programs, our Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) program has collected approximately 500,000 bacterial isolates from 217 sites in 63 countries since 2002. This data can help to curb the development of AMR by informing adequate treatment plans and prescribing guidelines that ensure antibiotics are used appropriately.
04.
We need to think beyond human health.
The challenge of AMR is multifaceted, and we believe a One Health approach to creating policies is critical to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment.
When it comes to animal health, vaccines should be considered a first line of defense against bacterial and viral diseases. By preventing diseases, vaccines can help minimize the need for antibiotics. MSD Animal Health is one of the largest manufacturers of animal health vaccines, supplying over 100B doses each year. We are also engaged in collaborative efforts to ensure new and existing antibiotics are effective now and in the future for all species.
Protecting the environment through responsible manufacturing is another key component of the One Health approach. To combat rising levels of antibiotics in the environment, we have committed over $100 million to ensure factory discharges do not present a risk to human health or the environment. We also worked with our partners in the AMR Industry Alliance to inform science‐based manufacturing targets to help ensure robust scrutiny of industry manufacturing supply chains.
05.
The time to act against AMR is now.
We have received ample warning signs of the dangers of AMR. With collaboration across the scientific community and policymakers, it is preventable.
We all have a role to play as we look ahead to prepare for the next health crisis. We know that without action, AMR will have significant global consequences. We must act now to put measures in place to ensure we have the antibiotics we need for our generation and those to come.
Prevention starts with us! To mark International HPV Awareness Day, we met with gynecologist Dr. Alina Staikov for a Lunch & Learn. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to learn about the impact human papillomavirus (HPV) can have on our health and how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the viruses and certain cancers it causes.
31 March 2023
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In celebration of International HPV Awareness Day on March 4, our Leadership Team invited all MSD employees to a Lunch & Learn with Dr. Alina Staikov. She is a gynecologist committed to the fight against cancer and is dedicated to education, treatment, prevention and early detection of the disease.
What does cancer have to do with HPV? Human papillomaviruses can cause cancer in some cases. The good thing is, if you are informed, you can protect yourself from HPV, prevent HPV-related cancers or get early treatment for them!
At MSD, we are committed to the prevention and early detection of cancer
As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in oncology, we don’t just focus on educating the public – we live by what we say. This is why we regularly organize internal events to educate ourselves further on pertinent subjects – in this case about HPV and how it impacts health. More than 50 colleagues from all Swiss subsidiaries took the opportunity to learn from Dr. Staikov and ask their questions.
HPV can cause certain cancers
Dr. Staikov presented key facts about HPV. Among the other information she provided, she explained that these viruses are common and even teenagers should know about them, because even they can become infected. She explained that almost everyone will come into contact with HPV during their lifetime and what can happen if the virus does not go away on its own. This is the specific reason why Dr. Staikov focused on the options of early prevention and detection. After her lecture, we were afforded the opportunity to ask questions, making the event interactive and vibrant. What is the message we took away? Read the next section!
Five facts about HPV that everyone should know
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common and can occur in teenagers and adults.
People are infected with HP viruses through person-to-person contact involving the skin and mucous membranes.
HP viruses can cause certain cancers and precancerous tissue abnormalities.
The most common HPV-related cancers include cervical cancer, anal cancer, and oral and pharyngeal cancers.
Safer sex and vaccination can help prevent certain HPV-related diseases.
“Getting the information to the people is the most important thing. If they are not informed, they can’t make decisions and they don’t have choices.“
Dr. Alina Staikov
At the event
Applause for Dr. Staikov
The event was a great opportunity for us to learn as a team and live by MSD culture.
Every single life motivates us, day after day, to give our best.
Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic disease that can be life-threatening if left untreated. At MSD, we are committed to people who are affected by this disease.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic disease characterised by increased blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation. It may lead to a significant impairment of physical capacity and can be life-threatening if left untreated. There are various treatment options that aim to alleviate symptoms, stop progression of the disease and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
Our commitment in the area of pulmonary hypertension
For over
5
years committed to improving the lives of patients in Switzerland
In the year
2013
introduction of the first soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator for PH in Switzerland
Active since
2016
in longstanding partnerships and projects
Our partnerships and projects
Collaboration with the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Pulmonale Hypertonie [Swiss Society for Pulmonary Hypertension] (SGPH)
The SGPH is panel of experts that for more than 20 years has bundled all findings about pulmonary hypertension into one efficient network. We have supported the SGPH for years in different projects and initiatives.
Cooperation with patient organisations
We have been involved for years in collaborative partnerships with patient organisations and the Swiss PH Society for people with pulmonary hypertension.
Continuing education events and conferences
MSD regularly takes part in the conference of the Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Pneumologie [Swiss Society for Pulmonology] (SGP) and supports continuing education events for physicians in order to help clarify pulmonary hypertension and its treatment.
Clinical Research
For almost 130 years, we have conducted research worldwide to contribute to better health for our society with our medications and vaccines, for today and future generations. In Switzerland, MSD is currently conducting 42 clinical studies in different areas of therapy (as of 10/2023).
Especially in November, during Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month, and on 5 May, World Pulmonary Hypertension Day, we raise awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection among the general public.
"The sooner pulmonary hypertension is diagnosed and treated, the sooner a patient can benefit from an improvement in the quality of his or her life. With our commitment, we wish to contribute to the clarification and early detection of the disease".
MSD Switzerland awarded with the Swiss LGBTI Label
On June 16th 2021, MSD was awarded the with the Swiss LGBTI Label, a certification awarded to companies and organizations with an open and inclusive culture. This certification is intended to help promote the inclusion of LGBTI people at the workplace and beyond.
16.06.2021
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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 and Inclusion
At MSD Switzerland we believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce inspires innovation and is fundamental to our company’s success. While there has been great progress when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, there is still work to be done — and we’re proud to play a role in achieving those goals. MSD has a longstanding tradition of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, in our company and beyond. Having an environment comprised of people from different dimensions of diversity also helps us better understand the unique needs of the customers, health care providers and patients we serve, including those with different abilities.
The Swiss LGBTI label executive board said:
“We congratulate MSD for receiving our Swiss LGBTI label. The label recognizes the exceptional work done by MSD to foster equality and inclusion of LGBTI People in the workplace. MSD went successfully through a very comprehensive assessment of the inclusiveness of its organizational practices. We applaud the very positive journey engaged by MSD, its contribution to societal positive change and its impact beyond its industry.”
