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'''Merck''' is a multinational pharmaceutical company that makes [[vaccines]] and other drugs. The name Merck is in fact used by two separate pharmaceutical companies, one in the United States (Merck & Co, Inc) and in Europe (Merck KGaA). During [[World War I]], the German company's American operations were seized and ties between the two companies were severed.  

'''Merck''' is a multinational pharmaceutical company that makes [[vaccines]] and other drugs. It traces its roots to Merck Group in 1668, but long-time employee Theodore Weicker immigrated from [[Germany]] to the [[United States]] in 1887 and started the US branch with George W. Merck in 1891, but became independent in 1917. George W. Merck also directed the bio warfare research at Fort Detrick from 1942-1945. The name Merck is in fact used by two separate pharmaceutical companies, one in the United States (Merck & Co, Inc) and in Europe (Merck KGaA). During [[World War I]], the German company's American operations were seized and ties between the two companies were severed.  

Merck & Co has sales of making it alone one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.  It is headquartered in [[New Jersey]].   

Merck & Co has sales of making it alone one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.  It is headquartered in [[New Jersey]].   

A key Merck product, the painkiller [[Vioxx]], which was used to treat arthritis and other conditions causing chronic pain, was withdrawn after it shown to increase the risk of heart attack and death in long term use.   

A key Merck product, the painkiller [[Vioxx]], which was used to treat arthritis and other conditions causing chronic pain, was withdrawn after it shown to increase the risk of heart attack and death in long term use.