Knowledge

Five diabetes myths debunked

Get facts on five common falsehoods about diabetes.

25.06.2021

More than 463 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and while diabetes is a major health concern, it can sometimes be misunderstood. This is especially true for type 2 diabetes.

What is type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes, the most common type of diabetes, is a condition characterized by insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose get into the body’s cells to be used for energy. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body isn’t able to properly use insulin, which allows too much glucose to build up in the blood and causes high blood sugar.

Here are five common myths about type 2 diabetes explained.

01.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes is not a serious disease.

Reality: If type 2 diabetes is poorly managed, it can lead to serious complications. Diabetes management, including learning about the condition, adopting a healthy lifestyle and working with a health care provider to create a treatment plan, can help decrease the risk of complications, but this doesn’t mean that type 2 diabetes is not to be taken seriously.

02.

Myth: If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s impossible to miss the signs.

Reality: In many cases, symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop slowly, often over the course of several years, and can be so mild that it’s easy for them to go unnoticed. Many people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms at all, contributing to the fact that 1 in 2 adults with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:

Excessive thirst and dry mouth
Frequent urination
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling in the hands and/or feet
Slow healing wounds

03.

Myth: All people with type 2 diabetes are overweight.

Reality: People who are overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, but there are a number of other personal and lifestyle factors that contribute to an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Some risk factors may include:

Family history of diabetes
Overweight
Unhealthy diet
Physical inactivity
Increasing age
High blood pressure
Ethnicity
Poor nutrition during pregnancy

04.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes only affects the pancreas.

Reality: Over time, type 2 diabetes can affect other parts of the body. For example, people with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke as a person without diabetes. However, there are steps people can take that may help to reduce the risk of the more serious complications of type 2 diabetes. These include keeping blood sugar levels as close as possible to a person’s individualized goal, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol at levels set by a health care professional.

05.

Myth: It is unsafe for people with type 2 diabetes to exercise*.

Reality: Physical activity is very important for people with type 2 diabetes, as it can help to control blood sugar levels and lower the risk of diabetes-related complications like heart disease and nerve damage. But getting enough exercise doesn’t mean spending hours at the gym. Adults with type 2 diabetes can start with daily walks. Simple day-to-day activities like walking to the mailbox, or parking farther from the entrance are other options.

^{*Before starting any physical activity, talk to your health care provider about which activities may be most appropriate for you.}

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Knowledge

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

June 23, 2021

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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Knowledge

Health protection through vaccination

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

18.06.2021

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 that vaccination can help to prevent (as of June 2021):

01.

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer for European women aged 15-44 after breast cancer. HPV’s responsibility is proven in a majority of cervical cancer cases and a number of other 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.

Shingles

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a common and debilitating viral disease caused by the reactivation of the chicken pox virus that lies dormant in the body for years, rearing its head in older age. Approximately 1 in 4 Europeans will suffer from shingles during their life; possibly resulting in long lasting pain and debilitating post herpetic neuralgia.

05.

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.

06.

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.

07.

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.

08.

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.

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Company

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

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.”

Until today, 18 companies and institutions were certified by the label, all based in German-speaking Switzerland. The Swiss LGBTI Label was developed by the business networks Network (Gay Leadership) and Wybernet (Gay Professional Women), with the help of the non-profit umbrella associations Transgender Network Switzerland, Pink Cross, LOS – Lesbenorganisation Schweiz and Regenbogenfamilien.

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Knowledge

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer is a term used to describe a number of different malignant tumors that develop in or around the throat, larynx (voice box), nose, tonsil, sinuses and mouth.

15 June, 2021

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common type of cancer in the world and constitute 5% of the entire cancers worldwide. About 90% of all head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). The impact of this disease on patients’ quality of life may be substantial as it can be physically disfiguring – changing the face that patients present to the world and may affect the ability to swallow, eat and talk.

1’700

In Switzerland about 1’700 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed each year, about 530 die of it.

932’000

Worldwide an estimated 932’000 new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in 2020, more than 467’000 died of it.

Incidence of head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is more common among men than women. The incidence of head and neck cancer increases with age. Although most patients are between age 50 to 70 years, the incidence in younger patients is increasing, related to cancers (primarily oropharyngeal) caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Areas of the head and neck where cancers begin

Main risk factors

There are several factors that greatly increase the risk of head and neck cancer:

Tobacco & Alcohol Use Tobacco and alcohol use are two of the biggest risk factors for head and neck cancers. At least 75% of cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol use, and secondhand smoke may also increase a person’s risk. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) People infected with HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, are more likely to develop head and neck cancer. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who do not clear the virus, it can cause certain head and neck cancers later in life.

Other risk factors include

Prolonged sun exposure

Epstein-Barr virus

Genetics

Poor oral/dental hygiene

Environmental/occupational inhalants

Poor nutrition

Prevention

More than 70% of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck are estimated to be avoidable by lifestyle changes, particularly by effective reduction of exposure to well-known risk factors such as tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking.

There is no proven way to completely prevent head and neck cancer, but the risk could potentially be lowered by:

Stopping the use of all tobacco products
Avoiding alcohol
Using sunscreen regularly, including lip balm with an adequate sun protection factor
Reducing the risk of HPV infection by receiving the HPV vaccine or by limiting the number of sexual partners, since having many partners increases the risk of HPV infection.
Maintaining proper care of dentures

Worldwide an estimated

932’000

new cases of head and neck cancer were diagnosed in 2020.*

^{*Lip and oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx and salivary gland cancers}

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Knowledge

HPV-related cancers: What you need to know

Learn about human papillomavirus, or HPV, and the World Health Organization's effort to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

15.06.2021

Did you know that human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus? In fact, HPV infects most sexually active people in their lifetime.

For most people, HPV clears by itself. But, for those who do not clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers and diseases later in life. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know who will or will not clear the virus.

HPV can cause certain cancers and diseases in both men and women

In women, HPV can cause cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer. In women and men, it can also cause genital warts, anal and oropharyngeal cancer (a type of cancer that can affect the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils).

HPV-related cancers at a glance

~ 668K men and women worldwide are diagnosed with HPV-related cancers every year

In 2018, an estimated 1 in 25 cancers were caused by HPV

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide

The World Health Organization’s movement towards cervical cancer elimination

Important steps have been taken to achieve a world where fewer women are affected by cervical cancer, but more needs to be done.

In 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its Global Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem to build momentum for cervical cancer elimination around the world.

Achieving this goal will require collaboration and political support from international and local leaders, the private sector and the public.

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Knowledge

Understanding melanoma: The signs, symptoms and risk factors

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and is responsible for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.

14.06.2021

What is melanoma?

Melanoma affects mainly older people. The average age at diagnosis is 65 years. However, melanoma is also one of the most common types of cancer in young adults, especially in women.

In the early stages, melanoma can be treated successfully, but after metastasis the survival rates drop significantly. Although new therapies have greatly improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic melanoma, not all of them respond to these treatments.

2’800

Switzerland has the eighth highest melanoma incidence rate in the world. Around 2’800 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. This makes melanoma the fifth most common type of cancer and accounts for around 7% of all cancer cases in Switzerland.

324’600

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world, ranking first in men and second in women. About 324’600 melanoma skin cancers were diagnosed in 2020 worldwide and the global incidence continues to increase.

Rates have been rising for 30 years

About Melanoma

Melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells of the skin, the melanocytes, and can occur in any part of the skin. They can look different and develop over several months or years, also from existing moles. Melanomas often appear as dark to black spots, which can be flat or raised. In men they are more likely to start on the trunk (chest and back) and on the legs in women. Also the face and neck are common sites.

Signs and Symptoms

A new spot on the skin – one that changes in size, shape or color, or one that looks different – is an important warning sign of melanoma. The ABCDE rule outlines the characteristics of moles that may be melanomas and is helpful guidance for monitoring skin changes:

A is for Asymmetry

One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

B is for Border

The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.

C is for Color

The color is not the same throughout (it may have different colors or shades of other colors).

D is for Diameter

the spot larger than 6 millimeters (although melanomas can sometimes be smaller).

E is for Evolving

The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you are at risk for melanoma.

Risk factors

Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
Moles
Fair skin, freckles and light hair
Family history
Personal history of having melanoma or other skin cancers
Having a weakened immune system
Being older
Being male
Xeroderma pigmentosum (a rare skin condition that affects the skin’s ability to repair DNA damage)

Ways to lower risk

Melanoma can’t be entirely prevented, but there are ways to lower risk. The number one way to lower risk is to protect against UV rays, e.g. by avoiding recreational outdoor sunbathing and the visit of tanning booths.

Here are a few ways to protect your and your children’s skin:

Seek Shade

Stay in the shade between 10am and 4pm.

Wear a Hat

Wear a wide-brimmed had that protects your face, neck and ears.

Cover Up

Choose clothing with a tight knit or weave and avoid shirts that you can see through.

Use Sunscreen

Apply sunscreen (SPF 50) 30 minutes before sun exposure. Cream your skin several times a day when you are swimming or sweating.

Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Pick a pair that will block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

Check the UV Index

Check the sun’s UV radiation levels before you leave the house and protect your skin accordingly.

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Vaccines

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is declared over

The 11th Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is declared over nearly six months after the first cases were reported in Equateur Province

November 18, 2020

MSD recognizes that the global collaboration and partnerships formed to take on this outbreak were critical and similar efforts are essential today in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to be in the future as we are faced with new global health challenges.

MSD salutes the courage of everyone who worked to end the Ebola outbreak, and continue to reflect on lessons learned from this fight that may be applied to infectious disease outbreaks going forward.

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Infectious Diseases

Parallels of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics

A conversation with MSD Chief Patient Officer Julie Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., about her early work caring for people with HIV and AIDS, and the parallels of the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics

June 6, 2021

Dr. Julie Gerberding vividly remembers the intense stigma of HIV during the early days of the epidemic. In the 1980s, Julie was a new physician caring for patients with AIDS at San Francisco General Hospital.

“Stigma was a barrier to identifying people with infection. It was a barrier to assuring that patients with HIV and AIDS received empathy and care that was proper and humane. It was a barrier to investment in advanced therapeutics,” said Julie. “So, we needed to fight stigma not just at the bedside. We had to fight the battle in the communities and the businesses in San Francisco, and with the legislators who were responsible for appropriating resources to support care and treatment.”

Over time, San Francisco General Hospital would become the premier hospital for AIDS patients in the U.S., having developed a model of HIV care that became the global gold standard.

“We recognized our city as a hot bed of new infections, and instead of retreating because of fear, our team really did say, ‘let’s be the best,’” said Julie. “Let’s be the most caring place for anyone with this illness to receive the best possible care, the best nursing, and the best social services. We immersed ourselves in training other health professionals and furthering research. Sharing stories of our patients eventually helped get the San Francisco community aligned with what we needed to do as a city to address the pandemic.”

Julie says these early career experiences continue to guide her professional life.

“I became a better doctor because we didn’t have effective therapies for HIV. I had to learn to listen to my patients and address their needs beyond their health care in ways that extended my own understanding and human empathy. I became the kind of physician that listened first and treated later. Caring and listening are things I will always try to carry forward as MSD’s chief patient officer.”

Growing threat of infectious diseases

Julie continued her education in infectious diseases and public health while advancing research at San Francisco General Hospital until 1998, when she joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. In 2002, she was named director of the CDC and led the agency through multiple global infectious disease outbreaks during her tenure.

We live in a world that is designed, in a sense, for the emergence of new infectious diseases, which we are seeing now with COVID-19.

Dr. Julie Gerberding

“The increased contact that we have with animal sources of infection, the crowding of our societies, climate change, the fact that there are millions of forcibly displaced people in the world—all of these factors change the ecology of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases will continue to emerge, and we will need to continue working extremely hard to catch up with them.”

MSD recently announced new collaborations to develop two potential vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 for the prevention of COVID-19, and advance development of an antiviral candidate currently in early clinical development for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.

“There are many similarities between the COVID-19 and the HIV pandemics,” said Julie. “They’re wicked problems and no sector can solve either alone. Both must be approached through collaboration and broad partnerships where stakeholders bring their best capabilities and assets to the table and share with others.

“Just as we have a long legacy in fighting HIV, MSD is committed to being a significant player in the global effort to confront COVID-19. We have deep expertise in infectious disease research, and we have made important contributions to fighting pandemics for more than 125 years. Infectious diseases research is in our DNA.

“It has been said that with COVID-19, no one is safe until everyone is safe,” said Julie. “We care deeply about the human toll of this virus, and the patients and families who’ve been impacted. And yet we have good reason to be optimistic. The global mobilization to tackle this disease has been unprecedented, and working together, we are rising to the challenge.”

Leaving an impact

Recently, Julie’s alma mater, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health, recognized her as one of “Sixteen women who changed public health” for her work while at the CDC during multiple public health threats.

Julie L. Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H., is chief patient officer and executive vice president for strategic communications, global public policy, and population health at MSD.

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Company

MSD continues to foster vibrant, creative workspaces as it launches new Zurich hub

A conversation with Klaus Beck, VP MSD Global Medical Affairs EMEAC, about MSD's new Innovation and Development Hub in Zurich.

15 June, 2020

While we all come from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, every person at MSD shares one thing in common: we are all driven by our company’s mission, to save and improve lives. At the heart of this mission is a steadfast, unparalleled commitment to science and innovation. As we accelerate the establishment of our new global innovation and development hub in Zurich, my pride in our company continues to grow. It’s rewarding and fulfilling to be part of an initiative that will have a true impact on global health.

At MSD, we follow where the science leads, and aspire to be a premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company. Since 1892, our researchers have helped to find new ways to treat and prevent illness – from the discovery of vitamin B1, to the first measles vaccines and the first statins to treat high cholesterol. The company has made leading contributions in the treatment of coronary heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV and disorders in the area of neurology and ophthalmology. Today, we focus our research on conditions that represent some of the world’s most significant health challenges – like cancer, HIV and antibiotic-resistant infections. And, we are on the front lines in the fight against global outbreaks, like Ebola and COVID-19.

Although our focus – delivering medicines and vaccines that have the potential to help millions of people around the world – is still the same, the way we get there has changed.

Klaus Beck

VP MSD Global Medical Affairs EMEAC

We have opened a number of key sites in innovation hotbed locations, which allows us to create cross-functional teams in an intimate, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. Those teams are charged and empowered to build exciting partnerships across the academic and wider scientific communities. Some of those sites are focused on preclinical stages, like our thriving facilities in Boston, composed of teams with a focus on discovery research in immunology, oncology, diabetes and neuroscience. The teams at our site in South San Francisco are expanding our innovative research in biologics and our researchers in the Discovery Center in London focus on neuroscience and other key therapeutic areas with large unmet medical needs. Other sites have yet different scopes, for example our IT and digital innovation hub in Prague, but the thread binding these sites together is their contribution to meaningful improving patients’ lives.

While our sites all support our company’s mission, each has its own distinct focus. Our Zurich hub is unique in that:

It is the only hub in our company focused on accelerating both, the development and commercialization of our medicines and vaccines
It includes multiple functions represented from our MSD Research Laboratories (MRL) and our Human Health (HH) commercial organizations, dissolving the traditional boundaries between market development and support. Having these teams co-located creates a dynamic environment – one that allows for collaboration, innovation and rapid decision-making.

Consistent with our aspiration to paradigm-shifting innovation and agility, the new hub will be located in THE CIRCLE, an exciting new space being constructed at the Zurich international airport that will include a convention center, medical establishments and many other local and international businesses. In addition to having the latest technology advances, the new space has its own dramatically sculpture parkland and conforms with the highest sustainability standards (LEED Platinum and Swiss Minergie certified).

What we’re establishing in Zurich presents a rare and challenging career opportunity, and we are starting to hire new talent now.

Klaus Beck

Our multi-functional work environment will provide our team members with unique opportunity to connect with many contributing functions, both from our MRL and HH organization. In addition to building and expanding their professional networks, our employees will have the opportunity to grow within our global organization to explore their interests and realize their potential. If you want to be part of bold, groundbreaking science and innovation – challenging preconceptions, advancing new ideas, in pursuit of changing the lives of patients – then we will want to talk with you!

Looking ahead, I’m excited to see the impact of this collaborative platform (after all, diversity in all dimensions is a key enabler of innovation). I’m excited for MSD to build relationships and work side-by-side with some of the most highly regarded research centers, medical institutions and academic institutions in Switzerland and across Europe. And, most of all, I’m excited to see how the Zurich hub can contribute to our company’s aim of saving lives.

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Five diabetes myths debunked

What is type 2 diabetes?

Here are five common myths about type 2 diabetes explained.

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

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

"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."

Health protection through vaccination

The following overview shows some diseases that vaccination can help to prevent (as of June 2021):

MSD Switzerland awarded with the Swiss LGBTI Label

Diversity and Inclusion

What is head and neck cancer?

Incidence of head and neck cancer

Areas of the head and neck where cancers begin

Main risk factors

Other risk factors include

Prevention

932’000

HPV-related cancers: What you need to know

HPV can cause certain cancers and diseases in both men and women

HPV-related cancers at a glance

The World Health Organization’s movement towards cervical cancer elimination

Important steps have been taken to achieve a world where fewer women are affected by cervical cancer, but more needs to be done.

Understanding melanoma: The signs, symptoms and risk factors

What is melanoma?

Rates have been rising for 30 years

About Melanoma

Signs and Symptoms

Risk factors

Ways to lower risk

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is declared over

Parallels of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics

We live in a world that is designed, in a sense, for the emergence of new infectious diseases, which we are seeing now with COVID-19.

Leaving an impact

MSD continues to foster vibrant, creative workspaces as it launches new Zurich hub

Although our focus – delivering medicines and vaccines that have the potential to help millions of people around the world – is still the same, the way we get there has changed.

What we’re establishing in Zurich presents a rare and challenging career opportunity, and we are starting to hire new talent now.

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