MSD spends every efforts in researching and developing new products and is unmatched in breakthrough research. Since 1995, we have introduced 17 new medicines and vaccines, maintained our leadership in managed pharmaceutical care, and have successfully embraced the Internet Era by making Merckmedco.com the world's largest Internet pharmacy.

These tremendous efforts have not only made Merck stronger today, we are now even better positioned than ever before to face the future. In 2000, the research and development spending amounted to over US$2.4 billion, which is estimated to increase to US$2.6 billion in 2001.

We have over 6,000 research professionals working at 10 major centers. A number of our top scientists are Nobel Prize winners and have won the highest international recognition in their work.

MSD's dedication to its principles has benefited the health and improved the quality of life for millions of people with innovative medicines.