History

Our legacy of invention began more than a century ago and continues today.

Our history is marked by scientific breakthroughs.

Every breakthrough we create holds the potential to build a healthier, more hopeful future for patients everywhere.

1851

Dr. Ernst Christian Friedrich Schering begins developing and selling pharmaceutical products in Berlin. Three years later, Schering 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.

1919

Merck separates from its German parent company.

1933

Merck locates its first research laboratories in Rahway, New Jersey.

1944

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

1953

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

1955

Schering scientists successfully transform cortisone into prednisone, considered one of the most significant medical advances of the mid-twentieth century.

In the same year, the Schering-Plough Foundation is established.

1957

Merck establishes the Merck Company Foundation.

In the same year, Schering-Plough
acquires Coppertone and helps launch the UV index, a guideline for sunscreen use.

1971

Schering Corporation merges with Plough, Inc. to create the Schering-Plough Corporation.

1975

Merck withdraws its operations in the Philippines and licenses the distribution of its products to Cathay Drug.

1992

Merck moves its headquarters from Rahway to Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.

1994

Coppertone celebrates its 50th anniversary.

2000

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