Merck Sharp & Dohme Celebrates 30 Years in China with Theme 'Power of 30, Shaping a Healthier Future Together' at the 5th China International Import Expo

ShanghaiNovember 5, 2022PR Newswire -- Today, MSD, a global leading biopharmaceutical company, once again appeared at the 5th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE"). Under the theme of "Thirty and ‘Lively’, Shining into the Future, Health Shared by All," MSD showcased its rich innovative achievements and R&D pipeline in key disease areas in a comprehensive and multi-form manner on its 1,000-square-meter booth at A3-03, Hall 7.2 of the CIIE; At that time, it will bring more than ten thematic activities and signing projects with partners from all sides of China's medical ecosystem, fully demonstrating MSD China's firm belief and long-term commitment to deepen its presence in the Chinese market and share the opportunities of the CIIE, standing at a new starting point of thirty years.

"As a multinational company participating in the CIIE for the fourth consecutive year, we look forward to continuously embracing the open and inclusive market of China through this high-standard international platform," said Anna Tian, Global Senior Vice President of MSD and President of MSD China. "Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of MSD's entry into China, we hope to use the CIIE platform to showcase MSD’s brilliant journey of standing together with China’s healthcare cause through thick and thin. At the same time, we will collaborate with local partners to introduce more innovative healthcare solutions ranging from prevention to treatment, covering the entire life cycle. This will further expand MSD’s ‘circle of friends’ within China’s healthcare ecosystem, accelerating benefits for a broader range of patients and the public, shining a light on the future, and promoting health for all."

Around the theme of "Thirty and 'Powerful', Shining into the Future, Health for All," MSD showcased a wealth of innovative achievements and R&D pipelines.

Booth Highlights: Creative Runway Showcases Three Decades of Brilliance

The MSD booth at this session draws design inspiration from a shining track that leads to the grand goal of "Healthy China," offering an in-depth interpretation of the essence and extended meaning of MSD China's "Bright Future" strategy. At the entrance, a gateway shaped like the number "30" ingeniously symbolizes the milestone of MSD’s 30th anniversary in China. The three dynamic themed tracks — "Medicine Road," "Essential Road," and "Key Road" — each use different homophonic variations of "YAO (Bright)" to illustrate the progress made in China under the four pillars of the "Bright Future" strategy: "Products," "Patients (Consumers)," "Clients," and "Capabilities." Additionally, these tracks reflect MSD's vision of becoming a trusted and leading partner within China’s healthcare ecosystem, significantly enhancing patient and consumer accessibility, and substantially improving health outcomes.

In the refreshing cross-border alliance interactive experience area, MSD has also partnered with Shanghai Library to bring an educational and entertaining science exhibition to the CIIE stage; at the unique cross-border M café, a co-branded specialty coffee was launched for the first time, turning the spirit of openness and innovation into an immersive five-sense experience.

The same journey towards "Healthy China" extends into the cyber "metaverse" of MSD China's official WeChat and video accounts. MSD transforms into a "fervent warrior," using interactive images and videos to capture the highlights of "Shining at CIIE," allowing the audience to experience it as if they were there, compensating for the regret of not being able to attend in person.

MSD to Bring More Than Ten Themed Activities and Signing Projects, Demonstrating a Firm Commitment to Deepening Engagement in the Chinese Market at the New 30-Year Starting Point

Star Exhibits: Cutting-edge Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines, Showcasing a Century of Innovation

As a shining business card showcasing China's increasingly open and inclusive economic landscape and continuously optimized business environment, the CIIE provides a platform for multinational companies to showcase their latest R&D advancements and innovative achievements. Upholding the vision of "becoming a world-leading research-intensive biopharmaceutical company," MSD highlighted blockbuster star products and prominent innovative healthcare solutions in vaccines, diabetes, hospital specialty care, and oncology at this year’s CIIE, demonstrating a clear business layout and strong R&D capabilities.

MSD is a leader in the vaccine field. Since entering China in 1992, it has successively launched HPV, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and pneumococcal vaccines, building a safe and robust full life-cycle health defense for Chinese people of all age groups. As of June this year, MSD’s HPV vaccine has benefited more than 25 million eligible women in China; among them, the eligible population for the nine-valent HPV vaccine was also expanded in August this year to include females aged 9-45. MSD is actively conducting more clinical studies on HPV vaccines to support the expansion of indications and protect more groups.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health challenge faced globally, and scientific research innovation is an important cornerstone in combating the virus. Molnupiravir, developed through a collaboration between MSD and Ridgeback,^[1]It is the world's first authorized oral antiviral drug for COVID-19 and has received marketing approval or emergency use authorization in over 40 countries and regions worldwide. In September this year, MSD granted China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) the distribution rights and exclusive import rights for the drug within China, aiming to benefit more Chinese patients and continue contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the field of cancer prevention and treatment, MSD is striving to create an era where cancer is treatable and potentially curable for patients. The cancer immunotherapy showcased at this year's CIIE has received nine indications approved in China since its first approval for marketing in 2018. These cover a variety of malignant tumors with high incidence, high mortality, low overall survival rates, and significant treatment challenges, particularly focusing on cancers that are highly prevalent in China such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and esophageal cancer. MSD continues to promote the further application of innovative cancer therapies in China while actively conducting clinical research. With over 80 research projects covering 20 types of cancer, MSD aims to provide patients with more cutting-edge options, bringing greater hope and possibilities.

Collaboratively developed, Molnupiravir is the world's first authorized oral antiviral drug against COVID-19, contributing to the fight against the pandemic.

Main Events and Signing Cooperation: Expanding the CIIE "Circle of Friends", Becoming a Leading Partner

Since its inception five years ago, the CIIE has become an important platform for expanding domestic and international innovation cooperation and promoting multi-field symbiosis and shared prosperity. MSD actively captures the "spillover effects" of the CIIE, continuously expanding its circle of partnerships in China with an open and inclusive approach, and consistently adding value to the healthcare industry.

MSD strives to become a trusted and leading partner in China's healthcare ecosystem, significantly enhancing patient and consumer access and substantially improving health outcomes.

"China Vaccine Industry Association-MSD Jingwei Public Health Scholarship Program" to Launch on November 6 at MSD's CIIE Booth. The "Jingwei Public Health Scholarship," jointly established by MSD and the China Vaccine Industry Association, aims to support young talents in their academic pursuits, encourage their passionate commitment to public health development, build a new reserve force for China’s public health sector, and contribute to the reform of China’s disease control and public health systems. This initiative demonstrates corporate social responsibility in action, supporting the vision of "Healthy China."

On the same day, at the event "Empowering the Ecosystem, Walking Together in Health – Industry, Academia, and Media Discuss the Health Communication Ecosystem," representatives from Tsinghua University and Duke Kunshan University, along with media professionals, were invited by MSD China to discuss the construction and development of the health communication ecosystem in the digital age. Relying on the professional research achievements of university disciplines and integrating MSD's digital technology, the event brought together the strengths of industry, academia, and media to explore key issues in public health and healthcare. The attendees also witnessed the opening ceremony of the "Health Action Camp," which aims to build a long-term health communication ecosystem and enhance the health literacy of the entire population.

On November 7, MSD will once again partner with China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (referred to as "Sinopharm Group") to host a cooperation signing ceremony for Molnupiravir, the world's first approved oral antiviral drug against COVID-19. Following the signing of a cooperation framework agreement in September this year, which granted Sinopharm Group the distribution and exclusive import rights of Molnupiravir within China, MSD will use this CIIE as a new starting point to further deepen local cooperation, facilitating the drug’s production, supply, and commercialization within China. MSD will actively promote localized production and supply, continuously contributing to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

On November 8, Zhang Changning, the main player of the Chinese Women's Volleyball Team, who symbolizes the tenacious struggle and never-give-up national spirit and female strength, will engage in a fascinating cross-disciplinary dialogue with Ms. Anna Tian, President of MSD China, on the topic of women's physical and mental health. They will share life experiences, exchange constructive viewpoints, and illuminate the brilliance of women, providing new insights to help accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer and promote care and protection for women.

In addition, the MSD CIIE booth will also witness celebrations such as the "10th Anniversary of the 'Conch Action' in China" and the "1st Anniversary of the Launch of the 'Standing by You in Silence' Patient Health Education Project," as well as multiple signing ceremonies, including the "2023 'Uniting for Innovation, Winning the Future Together' Partnership Platform Launch Ceremony" and "Leap·Boundless: A New Journey of Multidisciplinary Information Collaboration between UMI and People's Medical Publishing House."

China is an important part of MSD's global operations. Upholding the value that "medicine is produced for humanity, not for profit," MSD will always be a trusted and leading "partner" in China’s healthcare ecosystem. Continuously collaborating with partners across industry, academia, research, and medicine, MSD is committed to bringing high-quality medicines and vaccines to patients and the public in China. With "thirty and beyond" as a new starting point, we will illuminate the future, share health together, and uphold the vast potential of "Healthy China."

If you want to learn more about disease knowledge, please consult a healthcare professional.

About MSD

At MSD (the corporate name of Merck & Co., Inc. in New Jersey, U.S.), we work together with a shared purpose: to harness the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For over 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We are committed to being a top research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, standing at the forefront of innovation to deliver solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in humans and animals. We have built a diverse and inclusive global workforce, conducting our business responsibly every day to ensure a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, please visitwww.msd.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About MSD China

China is a crucial part of MSD's global growth strategy. MSD’s China headquarters is located in Shanghai, with a research and development center in Beijing and manufacturing facilities in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Tianjin, integrating R&D, manufacturing, and commercial operations. We are fully committed to providing high-quality innovative medicines, vaccines, and services to the people of China, benefiting Chinese society. For more information, please visit MSD China's official website.www.msdchina.com.cn, or subscribe to MSD China's official WeChat account msd_china.

MSD Forward-Looking Statements

MSD is the corporate name of Merck & Co., Inc., located in Rahway, New Jersey, USA (hereinafter referred to as "the Company"). This press release contains "forward-looking statements" made under the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The content herein is based on the current views and expectations of the Company's management and is subject to significant risks and uncertainties. MSD does not guarantee that its products under development will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or achieve commercial success. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate, or risks or uncertainties arise, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition, general economic factors (including interest rate and currency fluctuations), the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulations and healthcare policies in the United States and other countries, the global trend toward controlling healthcare costs, technological advancements, new products and patents obtained by competitors, inherent challenges in new product development (including obtaining regulatory approval), MSD's ability to accurately predict future market conditions, difficulties or delays in production, instability in international economic and financial conditions and sovereign risks, reliance on the effectiveness of MSD's patent and other innovative product protections, and the risk of patent litigation and/or regulatory actions against the company.

MSD has no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements due to new information, future events, or other reasons. Other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Please refer to MSD's 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed by the company with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (available on the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission's website).www.sec.govfor reference).

^[1]As of the time of writing, the drug has not yet been approved in China.