We've done great things in the past. Today, we're doing great things for the future.

Merck and Schering-Plough merged in November 2009 to create a new company. Today, we are the second-largest pharmaceutical company in the world. We also are a global leader in consumer products and animal care.

Both Merck and Schering-Plough have a long and rich history of working to improve people's health and well-being. Through the years, our researchers have helped to find new ways to treat and prevent illness - from the discovery of vitamin B1, to the first measles vaccine, to cold remedies and antacids, to the first statins to treat high cholesterol. Our scientists also have helped develop many products to improve animal health, including vaccines and antibiotics.

While we are proud of our past, we are enthusiastic about the future of this new company and we are excited to help create a healthier, brighter future for people around the world.

1851

Dr. Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering begins developing and selling pharmaceutical products in Berlin. Three years later, the company opened its first production facility.

1891

Merck & Co. opens its doors in the United States. The U.S. subsidiary's parent company, E. Merck, was originally founded in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1668.

1899

The first Merck Manual is published as a guide to physicians and pharmacists. Today, The Merck Manual is published in 17 languages.

1933

Merck dedicates its first research laboratories in Rahway, NJ.

1944

A collaboration between researchers at Merck and Rutgers University leads to the discovery of streptomycin. Also in 1944, Merck succeeds in the complex synthesis of cortisone.

Eleven years later, a team of Schering scientists successfully transforms cortisone into prednisone - considered one of the most significant medical advances of the mid-twentieth century.

1953

Merck & Co., Inc. merges with Philadelphia-based Sharp & Dohme.

1955

The Schering-Plough Foundation is established. Two years later, Merck establishes the Merck Company Foundation.

1963

Merck introduces the first measles vaccine, and, four years later, a mumps vaccine, which Dr. Maurice Hilleman developed from throat cultures from his daughter Jeryl Lynn (left).

1971

Schering Corporation merges with Plough, Inc., to create Schering-Plough Corporation. Schering-Plough later merges with Netherlands-based Organon BioSciences, in 2007.

1994

50th anniversary of Coppertone. Schering-Plough acquired Coppertone in 1957; the company later worked to help launch the UV index, a U.S. guideline letting consumers know when it is most important to use sunscreen.

2000

Merck and Schering-Plough establish joint ventures in the United States to develop and market new prescription medicines in the cholesterol management and respiratory areas.

2009

Merck and Schering-Plough combine to create the world's second-largest pharmaceutical company by market share.