Biomarker testing may help inform treatment decisions in certain cancers
An oncologist explains why cancer biomarkers may provide more precise information about a person's cancer
January 4, 2024
Share this article
Over the past 20+ years, there’s been an evolution in how we think about cancer. Cancer biomarkers — substances produced by tumor cells that reflect unique features of a tumor — can change the approach to certain cancers.
Advances in biomarker testing may help inform treatment decisions
It wasn’t long ago when conversations were about simply “breast cancer” or “lung cancer.” Now, physicians can get a lot more precise.
“We’ve come to understand that two people with the same type of cancer may have differences in the specific changes in the genes, proteins and other substances that may allow cancer cells to grow and spread.”
Dr. Scott Pruitt Associate vice president, early-stage development, clinical oncology, MSD Research Laboratories
“The field of breast cancer research was arguably the first to realize that there are multiple cancer subtypes and that biomarker testing could help inform therapy,” said Pruitt.
In the treatment of breast cancer, understanding various tumor biomarkers and pairing that understanding to help guide selection of relevant medicines has helped physicians evaluate potential treatment approaches. And the same is true in lung cancer where understanding tumor biomarkers has been used to help guide therapy aimed at targeting certain genetic mutations.
Biomarkers may help us understand a cancer better and how to approach it. That’s why biomarker testing may be an important next step after a cancer diagnosis.
Key terms to know:
Biomarker: a measurable indicator of a biological state or condition found in blood or tissues.
Biomarker testing: medical tests to look for measurable indicators (genes, proteins and other substances) that may provide information about a biological state or condition.
Biopsy: the removal of cells or tissue for examination.
Genetic testing: medical tests to look for certain mutations in a person’s genes that may be a sign of a disease or condition.
Biomarker testing after a cancer diagnosis
Blood test
Biopsy of the tumor
Testing for proteins and/or genes to look for known biomarkers
Biomarker testing and genetic testing may enable detailed characterization of some cancers
Some biomarker tests can find inherited genetic changes that you may have been born with that may increase your risk of cancer or other diseases. Genetic testing might help determine if you have certain mutations (for example, the BRCA gene) which could help inform treatment options.
MSD has been at the forefront of research to advance the understanding of biomarkers for certain cancers.
"We're fully invested in leveraging biomarker data to help inform cancer care."
— Dr. Scott Pruitt
“Across our oncology studies in every phase of development, we continue to incorporate multiple biomarker approaches to more fully understand biology as well as identify new targets of interest,” Pruitt said.
Discussing biomarker testing with a health care provider
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, it’s important to ask your doctor about biomarker testing. Start with these questions which may help you prepare for conversations with your doctor:
Is biomarker testing appropriate for the type of cancer that I have?
If there’s a chance my cancer was caused by an inherited risk factor, should I undergo further testing?
Stomach cancer: understanding the signs and symptoms
Learn more about stomach cancer risk factors and our commitment to patients
November 22, 2023
Share this article
What causes stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, occurs when malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the stomach. The most common form of stomach cancer is adenocarcinoma, which develops when glandular cells in the innermost lining of the stomach grow uncontrollably.
How common is stomach cancer?
Worldwide, there were more than one million patients diagnosed with stomach cancer and an estimated 768,793 patient deaths from the disease in 2020.
Who’s at risk for stomach cancer?
Anybody can be diagnosed with stomach cancer; however, it’s almost twice as common in men, and most people are older than 55 when diagnosed.
You may also have a higher chance of developing stomach cancer if you:
Have had a Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection, which is an infection of the stomach, that commonly causes stomach ulcers.
Are overweight or obese.
Have a diet high in salty, smoked, pickled or salt-preserved foods and/or high in processed or grilled meats. Eating few or no fruits likely increases the risk of stomach cancer.
Drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day.
Use tobacco.
Have had previous stomach surgery or health conditions, such as low stomach acid and bile reflux.
What are the signs and symptoms of stomach cancer?
Early-stage stomach cancer rarely causes symptoms, which is why most cases are diagnosed after the cancer has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.
Fatigue.
Heartburn, indigestion and anemia.
Swelling or fluid build-up in the abdomen, jaundice or weight loss without trying.
Poor appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting with or without blood or feeling full after a small meal.
Blood in stool.
Any of these warning signs should be discussed with a doctor, especially if you feel you’re at risk for stomach cancer.
If you have questions about stomach cancer and its symptoms, it’s important to discuss these with your doctor. Some questions to ask your doctor may include:
Q: Can young people be diagnosed with stomach cancer? A: While the majority of stomach cancer patients are over 55 years old, it’s important to know that younger people can also be diagnosed with stomach cancer. Nearly 5% of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer are under 40 years old.
Q: How do doctors determine the stage of a stomach cancer? A: When someone is diagnosed with stomach cancer, doctors will conduct tests, such as endoscopic procedures, biopsies and imaging, to help determine how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. By staging stomach cancer, doctors can determine how serious the cancer is and the best way to treat it.
“When facing a stomach cancer diagnosis, some patients may have existing misconceptions about the disease or be unsure about what this diagnosis will mean for them."
— Dr. Pooja Bhagia
GI clinical research scientist, MSD Research Laboratories
“Having an open conversation with your doctor about your questions and concerns may help reduce worry and help you understand what to expect in your cancer journey,” she added.
Harnessing innovative technology in drug discovery
MSD scientists explain how new technologies can accelerate the drug discovery process as we use the power of leading edge science to save and improve lives
November 16, 2023
Share this article
youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUBduOKtrnE
:
Our scientists are leveraging state-of-the-art capabilities to discover novel molecules that may lead to the medicines of tomorrow.
MSD Research Laboratories (MRL) scientists evaluate hundreds to thousands to up to billions of compounds to find a starting point for a new drug candidate. It all starts with identifying a target — usually a protein — that’s intrinsically associated with a particular disease and can be pharmacologically modulated. That’s where innovative tools like structure-based design, high-throughput screening and high-throughput experimentation, coupled with robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning can make a huge difference in progressing the work. And once a lead molecule is identified, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) as an emerging structural method can be used to understand and improve how a molecule interacts with the protein target.
Utilizing the latest technologies and diligent work by teams of highly skilled and experienced scientists can potentially accelerate the discovery of new medicines for patients in need.
“We have an incredibly creative, smart and hardworking workforce. It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of that and to have access to the resources necessary for making scientific breakthroughs.”
Once you have CMV, it stays in your body for life.
November 14, 2023
Share this article
If you knew that on average, an estimated 83% of the global population has a certain virus that stays in their bodies for life once they’re infected, would you want to know more?
The truth is, such viruses do exist, including one called “cytomegalovirus” (CMV).
What is cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
CMV is a common virus related to the herpes virus, and it can be spread through bodily fluids, like saliva, tears, breast milk or semen. In healthy individuals, CMV can cause no or few symptoms and no long-term health consequences. They may never know they were infected in the first place. Once a person is infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years.
However, if your immune system is weakened, there’s a chance that CMV infection (either an initial CMV infection or a reactivation of latent CMV) can lead to symptomatic disease and more serious symptoms affecting the eyes, lungs, liver and other organs.
Who does CMV impact?
Everyone from newborns to adults can pass CMV to others.
On average, an estimated 83% of the global population is infected with CMV
CMV in pregnancy
CMV can be passed to babies during pregnancy through the placenta. When this happens, the baby is born with congenital CMV. Most babies with congenital CMV don’t experience health problems. But some babies born with congenital CMV will have symptoms or other long-term health challenges.
Babies born with congenital CMV can experience hearing loss, intellectual disability or seizures
CMV in cancer patients
Cancer patients who have CMV may be more vulnerable to viral reactivation when receiving chemotherapy treatments, which may weaken the immune system.
CMV in transplant patients
People receiving transplants are especially vulnerable when it comes to CMV infection.
For example, patients with blood or other cancers who undergo a bone marrow transplant will take medicines to prevent their bodies from rejecting donated tissue. These medicines can impact their immune systems, making it harder for them to fight off CMV or other infections. For people who already have CMV in their bodies, this can leave them vulnerable to CMV reactivation.
CMV reactivation has been shown to occur in ~30-65% of allogeneic* bone marrow transplant recipients who are CMV-positive
*using stem cells from another person (donor)
Transplant recipients can also get CMV from organs donated by people with CMV. Patients undergoing a solid organ transplant (like a liver or kidney transplant) that are negative for CMV face the highest risk of CMV disease when their organ donor has CMV. In 2021, ~92,532 kidney transplants were performed globally.
CMV infection after kidney transplant can increase patients’ risk of experiencing organ rejection
Managing CMV
CMV is a common virus, and for most people, it’s not a serious health problem. However, in specific vulnerable groups like transplant recipients, complications from CMV infection can be serious. It’s important that people are aware of the virus and the impact it can have.
Want to learn more about CMV?
If you have questions about CMV and its potential risks, talk to your health care provider today.
Meet these young advocates helping to lead the response to HIV around the world
November 13, 2023
Share this article
HIV remains a global pandemic. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million people worldwide were newly diagnosed with HIV.
MSD has been committed to advancing science for the treatment and prevention of HIV for more than 35 years, but we know it takes all of us to make a difference for the HIV community.
And that’s just what these International AIDS Society (IAS) Young Leaders are doing. In 2022, our company was proud to be one of the groups to support 11 Young Leaders to co-create the Youth Hub — a youth-led networking platform that empowers young change-makers living with and affected by HIV to lead in the HIV response. They’re an inspiring group of advocates with different backgrounds and experiences in the response to HIV, each striving to empower and educate others from their respective corners of the globe.
Let’s meet some of these young change-makers.
Norman Chong | Malaysia
Norman Chong is using their gift of storytelling to encourage young people across the world to ask “Why?” Chong has been working to develop a solution-oriented platform to help address gaps in the HIV response for young people in Malaysia.
With their platform, called “We Ask the Y (WAY)”, Chong aims to provide tools for young people living with and affected by HIV to learn and network in support of social health, as well as economic and political justice. Chong also trains young researchers to translate and communicate findings into evidence-informed policies and practices to address barriers to health care for young people.
“If I have anything at all, it’s anchored on moving the dial with the question, “Why?”, and advocating for health care to be accessible to all, for policies designed to protect and empower, and never to divide and conquer.”
Norman Chong
Linda Joseph Robert | Uganda
Dismantling HIV stigma to support young people is the motivation for everything Linda Joseph Robert does. As a youth advocate, he helps to promote increased access to quality adolescent sexual and reproductive health services for young people through peer support interventions, community engagements and strategic partnerships. His passion for youth advocacy, activism and HIV-related programming came to life when he led a campaign to help reduce HIV stigma and discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a young person living with HIV, Robert is driven to help increase access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Robert has held leadership positions including the role of youth advocate at AIDS Healthcare Foundation-Uganda Cares, and serves as a U=U Africa Forum Ambassador in Uganda.
“I’m motivated by the progress that has been made in the HIV field and excited to be part of the next generation of HIV professionals who will continue the journey toward ending the AIDS pandemic, where no one is left behind.”
Linda Joseph Robert
Elizabeth Onyango | Kenya
UKIMWI UNAUA is a term Elizabeth Onyango and others in Kenya know too well. Translated to “HIV kills,” this phrase influenced Onyango’s perception of HIV at a young age — as the messaging around HIV in her country was mostly about death and fear. Growing up, she lost close family and friends to HIV and saw how cultural beliefs and practices exposed young women and girls to HIV. It wasn’t until she went to high school that Onyango learned about ways to protect against HIV, which helped reduce the fear she grew up with — and sparked an interest in HIV prevention.
After high school, she volunteered at a female sex worker-led organization that champions human and health rights of sex workers. Today, Onyango continues to encourage young women to take action to ensure they have a say in decisions about their health.
“My goal is to champion meaningful engagement of women and girls in HIV prevention and advocate for structural changes to improve the quality of life of women living with HIV.”
Elizabeth Onyango
Isaac Ogunkola | Nigeria
A background in public health has given Isaac Ogunkola deep insight into the world of infectious diseases, especially HIV. His passion for HIV advocacy became clear after volunteering to encourage harm reduction for people who use drugs and promote sexual and reproductive health and rights programming for homeless children, refugees and young people.
Having witnessed young people in his community die as a result of drug overdose and HIV, Ogunkola is committed to unifying public health, harm reduction and human rights. Through his peer education project, he engages young refugees in West Africa to lead HIV prevention programs in their communities.
“I don’t want to see death in any age group or population caused by HIV or drug overdose again.”
Isaac Ogunkola
Ashley Rose Murphy | Canada
Ashley Murphy was 7 years old when her adoptive parents told her she was living with HIV. By age 10, Murphy began to speak publicly about living with HIV, talking to young people around the world about the stigma around HIV and how to protect and advocate for themselves. She’s been a key voice for youth activists engaged in the HIV response in Canada ever since presenting at the U.N. General Assembly and the Global Fund, and even hosting a TED Talk.
Today, Murphy is an ambassador for several foundations committed to ending the AIDS epidemic through research, government-funded programs, global advocacy, prevention, testing and treatment options. Murphy remains an inspiration for young Canadians living with or affected by HIV.
“I want everyone to know that an HIV diagnosis does not have to be the end of the world. We can continue to live healthy and fulfilling lives, but it starts with educating yourself about your diagnosis and, most importantly, being your own advocate.”
Ashley Rose Murphy
Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu | Zimbabwe
Paul Ndhlovu has been using his voice to help young people living with and vulnerable to HIV in his native Zimbabwe for years. He’s produced a peer-led radio show as the creative radio champion for Zvandiri, an organization that “connects children and young people living with HIV with peer counselors to help assure health, happiness and hope.”
In his role, Ndhlovu — together with other adolescents and young people — has created a youth-friendly environment for people living with HIV to freely discuss challenges and issues in their own lives. The show explains to young people the importance of HIV prevention behaviors, the need for increased HIV testing, their sexual and reproductive rights, and available resources to help with mental health and well-being needs.
“The Zvandiri Radio Show is such an important platform. We’re providing an open forum for people living with HIV to freely come as themselves and talk about any challenges they may face.”
Paul Mavesere Ndhlovu
Stefano Regner | Philippines
Stefano Regner’s schedule is always busy, and as a physiotherapist and sexual health advocate, his work revolves around helping others.
As a trained HIV screener, counselor, and speaker, Regner is constantly on the move — traveling across the Philippines to help link people living with HIV to immediate care and empowering people when it comes to understanding safer sex. He’s also been a research assistant for one of the Philippines’ largest grassroots HIV test-and-treat centers.
And today, as both a medical student and a social media influencer, Regner provides educational resources for people living with HIV, using health campaigns and videos.
“Social media provides a new platform and method to translate and communicate important topics about health and increasing health literacy. I enjoy sharing key information with my followers, especially as it relates to sexual and reproductive health among at-risk populations in the Philippines.”
Stefano Regner
Kalisito Biaukula | Fiji
Kalisito Biaukula’s motivation to give a voice to the voiceless and speak up for those in need is evidenced by their work across their island nation of Fiji and surrounding regions.
As an intersectional, queer, feminist activist and human rights defender, Biaukula has worked with various civil society organizations addressing intersecting human rights issues for people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics, in Asia and the Pacific.
Biaukula is a major advocate for people living with and impacted by HIV, fighting to ensure they receive the proper care and government assistance, and calling for comprehensive sexuality education at all levels.
“It’s important for young people, especially those living in the Asia-Pacific region, to take a leading role in decisions that affect our bodies. We must all use our voices to stand up for human rights and ensure all populations are receiving equal opportunities to access care.”
Kalisito Biaukula
Sara Thapa Magar | Nepal
From a young age, Sara Magar developed an interest in social issues related to women and children living with HIV. This passion eventually led her to advocate for the needs and rights of affected populations living in the Asia-Pacific region.
Magar has been a board member of the International Community of Women Living with HIV Asia & Pacific (ICWAP) and has also spoken publicly about the need to support women-led organizations. In her current role as president of the National Federation of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (NFWLHA) in Nepal, Magar works to tackle gender inequalities and end gender-based violence.
“As youth leaders, we need to continue bringing these issues to the forefront and work to partner with the government and advocacy groups to address the challenges of women and children living with HIV.”
Sara Thapa Magar
The future is in good hands with these young leaders, advocates and activists, and we’re excited to continue to watch the impact they make on their local and global communities. To learn more about this youth-led collaboration, visit the IAS Youth Hub.
We’re accelerating our global efforts and capabilities with our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters
November 10, 2023
Share this article
youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5OyxRdSEUM
:
Using the power of leading-edge science to help save and improve lives means tapping into scientific talent around the world. That’s why we’re proud to break ground on our new London Discovery Research Centre and U.K. headquarters.
The high-profile site — located opposite King’s Cross Station in the heart of London’s Knowledge Quarter, an impressive cluster of academic, scientific and technological institutions — will be an impactful addition to our growing network of research facilities.
“Our talented discovery scientists in London are an integral part of our global research network.”
Dean Li President of MSD Research Laboratories
“Patients around the world are waiting for innovations that will help confront the tremendous burden of disease they face, and the kind of world-class scientific exploration this facility will enable is how we accelerate those innovations,” Li added.
Slated to open in 2027, the 270,000-square-foot, 10-story facility will bring together all our U.K. colleagues to help drive medical advances against some of today’s greatest health challenges.
“With the benefit of London’s thriving life sciences ecosystem and Knowledge Quarter right on our doorstep, I’m excited about the collaboration opportunities, building toward an exciting new chapter, and what this represents for employees and our partnership with the local community and beyond,” said Ben Lucas, managing director, U.K. and Ireland.
How you can help slow the threat of antimicrobial resistance
The growing burden of AMR is threatening the return to a world without effective antibiotics
October 31, 2023
Share this article
Before antibiotics were discovered in the 20th century, contracting an infection could be fatal. Their discovery was a turning point in human history, revolutionizing medicine and saving countless lives. However, the growing burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is threatening the return to a world without effective antibiotics.
We all have a responsibility to address this threat, and it will take dedicated efforts from all sectors across health care, including patients, to make a difference.
Here are four groups that can play a role in helping slow the threat of AMR:
01.
Patients
Be vigilant in infection prevention efforts and always use antibiotics correctly
We each play an important role in slowing the threat of AMR— starting with preventing infections that require antibiotics in the first place. Washing hands, preparing food hygienically and keeping up to date with vaccinations are all measures to help avoid infections.
Another important action patients can take is using antibiotics only when they’re needed. Always follow health care providers’ (HCPs) directions and never share or take leftover antibiotics, which may not be needed and may cause resistance. If your HCP believes antibiotics are not the correct treatment to help your condition, ask about other options. Taking antibiotics when they’re not needed may advance AMR. Bottom line: It is important to follow the guidance that your medical team gives you for treatment.
02.
Health care professionals
Be a source of antibiotic guidance
HCPs and medical systems need to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. It’s up to the health care providers to help ensure that the right treatment is given based on an accurate diagnosis. Hospitals should have a plan in place, with principles customized to their local needs, to guide the appropriate use of these medicines.
03.
Policymakers
Encourage antimicrobial innovation
We need new antibiotic options to stay ahead of the evolving bacteria. Governments can help. Incentive packages can provide a sustainable return on investment for the development of new antimicrobials. Encouraging innovation would allow companies to invest in the research and development needed. As a result, this would help provide health care professionals around the world with the tools they need to help patients fighting infections.
04.
Industry leaders
Invest in new developments
Finally, the participation of leading biopharmaceutical companies is crucial to addressing the growing threat of AMR.
For more than 100 years, MSD has played a significant role in the discovery and development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious diseases. And, in an effort to affect widespread change, we’ve supported efforts around the world that aim to address AMR through surveillance initiatives, collaborating with hospitals to fund education and implement stewardship programs, and advocating for substantial policy changes.
There is no single solution to the complex problem of AMR; it’s up to all of us to take collective action. We hope you’ll join our efforts and play your individual part to help ensure that patients have access to the antibiotics they need, now and in the future.
Understanding adult pneumonia: causes, symptoms and risk factors
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause serious complications
October 31, 2023
Share this article
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that can make it difficult to breathe and limit your ability to get sufficient oxygen.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia can present differently in people based on a variety of factors, but common symptoms include:
Fever
Wheezing / difficulty breathing
Cough
Chills
Rapid breathing
Chest pains
Confusion
Loss of appetite
Which adults are most at risk?
Anyone can get pneumonia, but older adults are particularly at risk.
Medical conditions such as diabetes, chronic heart disease, COPD and HIV can also increase risks of pneumonia — even in younger adults.
What can cause pneumonia?
There are two main types of pneumonia — viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia is often caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is one of the most common infections caused by this bacteria.
How does pneumonia spread?
Viral and bacterial pneumonias are contagious. People who are infected can spread the virus or the bacteria with respiratory droplets in the air when they cough, sneeze or talk. People can occasionally catch pneumonia by touching something that has the virus or bacteria on it and then touching their noses or mouths.
Ask your health care provider for more information.
The basketball legend and businessman talked DE&I, HIV advocacy and leadership in an inspiring visit to our global headquarters
October 30, 2023
Share this article
It was a full-circle moment for Dr. Yvonne Ukwu when she joined a recent fireside chat with sports legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson at MSD’s Rahway, New Jersey, headquarters.
Ukwu was one of many who packed the room as Johnson shared stories from both his career and personal life, ranging from being a leader on the court and an early HIV/AIDS activist to defying expectations with a pivot from basketball to business.
“I like when someone tells me no. It makes me work harder,” said Johnson. “They told me there’s no way at 6’9” that I could play point guard in college or the NBA. I did. My own teammates told me that I could not be a businessman. Here I am.”
"When someone tells me no, I want to prove to them that yes I can — and I just go to work.”
— Earvin "Magic" Johnson
His words hit home for Ukwu, an associate principal scientist at MSD. Her mother was our company’s regulatory liaison to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration during the approval of our first HIV treatment in 1996, and today Ukwu works with our HIV team, following in her mom’s footsteps.
“The messages he shared speak to both our company’s longstanding commitment to the HIV space and our support of diversity, equity and inclusion to create opportunities for physician women of color and other underrepresented people. In turn, this helps us better serve our patients and customers,” said Ukwu. “As a family physician who’s worked in various cities, I know how important it is to learn about and understand your patients and the community in order to provide appropriate and effective care.”
(Photo: Magic Johnson and Dr. Yvonne Ukwu)
Understanding your customers
Johnson, whose visit helped celebrate the culmination of our company-wide Global Diversity & Inclusion Experience Month, shared several key messages that spoke directly to our company’s purpose to save and improve lives.
According to Johnson, being on the ground and understanding your customers is a key to success. It helps you identify the best ways to serve them, communicate with them and meet their needs.
“You don’t become a trusted brand and a trusted company if you don’t over deliver,” Johnson said.
As an HIV activist, Johnson visits urban neighborhoods and listens to people’s questions and concerns and provides educational information about the virus. By sharing his story and openly discussing HIV, he also helps address the stigma often associated with it.
Investing in communities and building diverse teams
As chairman and CEO of SodexoMagic — MSD’s integrated facilities management partner — Johnson is committed to uplifting communities, advocating for equity, ensuring inclusion and being a force for change. Our company has worked with diverse suppliers like SodexoMagic for nearly 40 years.
“Sourcing products and services from diverse suppliers creates jobs and increases economic opportunities for underrepresented communities,” said Celeste Warren, VP of global diversity and inclusion. “To understand our diverse customers and to engage with them in pursuit of our work to help save and improve lives, we must have diverse perspectives at the table. That means embracing diversity within our own team and with our supplier partners.”
Inspiring and energizing the crowd
Johnson’s visit, which included many high-fives, chest bumps and selfies, and his messages energized and inspired the crowd. Some of our colleagues posted on their LinkedIn profiles:
“I’ve been a Lakers fan forever, an admirer of his consistent commitment to HIV awareness, and a student of his business acumen and success. Today he reiterated that diversity and inclusion is a business imperative that’s been critical to his success.”
Ainka Gonzalez Associate director, HIV marketing
“They call him Magic. Unforgettable close to our GD&I Experience Month at MSD….From the hardwood to the boardroom, ‘talent is never enough — the best performers are always the hardest workers.’”
Mike Diaz Senior specialist, omnichannel content capabilities
“Magic Johnson inspired everyone at MSD today! Sharing his message of hard work, determination, and achieving goals in the face of adversity.
Magic paved the way on so many business and cultural fronts in the world, he truly is a hero!”
Christina E. Mikhelashvili Senior specialist, clinical research
MSD’s Q3 2023 results reflect sustained growth, particularly in oncology and vaccines. Our company announced Q3 worldwide sales of $16.0 billion, an increase of 7% from Q3 2022.
“Our strong results this quarter reflect our talented team’s commitment to bringing forward important innovation and pursuing breakthroughs for all those who count on us,” said Rob Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, MSD. “We continue to push the boundaries of science, making disciplined investments to augment our diverse pipeline and applying our expertise to accelerate potentially transformative treatments to address patient needs — including through our recently announced collaboration with Daiichi Sankyo. I am proud of our progress as we continue to execute at the highest level and work to generate strong and sustainable value, today and well into the future.”
MSD anticipates full-year 2023 worldwide sales to be between $59.7 billion and $60.2 billion.
Take a look at the infographic below for more details on Q3 2023 results.
