Merck KGaA

Leading Practices

• Merck KGaA has a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of counterfeit products, which includes the introduction of new packaging technologies, an internal working group on the issue and a partnership with Global Pharma Health Fund e.V (GPHF) regarding the development and distribution of miniature quality testing laboratories (Minilab®) for product quality check in the Index Countries.
• The company has early stage research for three neglected diseases which is a sign of recent increased research focus in these areas.

Changes Compared to Index 2008

• Expansion of the resources dedicated to their in-house ("Medicinal Chemistry Workstation") collaboration with WHO-TDR to undertake R&D into malaria, Sleeping Sickness and Shistosomiasis.
• The molecule detection capability of the GPHF-Minilab® has been expanded since Index 2008 and can now identify the authenticity of about 43 products.
• Merck KGaA implemented the Merck–Praziquantel Donation Program (MPDP) as part of a 10-year agreement with WHO. The contract was signed in 2007.

Suggested Areas for Improvement

• Disclosure of the company's public policy positions relevant to ATM in areas such as competition practices, stance on TRIPS flexibilities etc. is lower than average.
• The company does not implement equitable pricing approaches or non-exclusive voluntary licenses for its Index Disease-relevant products despite its commitment to 'consideration of the lower purchasing power' in Index Countries.
• Merck KGaA's ATM management systems are below average because of its lacks of a dedicated ATM committee and low disclosure of its ATM business rationale and targets.