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First documented evidence of the Merck family from Hammelburg.
Friedrich Jacob Merck receives permission to operate a pharmacy in Darmstadt.
Pharmacist Georg Friedrich Merck becomes the second generation of the family to lead their own pharmacy.
The first "Camomile Man" appears on Johann Franz Merck's gravestone. In the 19th century, it becomes the company's trademark.
Pharmacist Johann Justus Merck becomes the fourth generation of the family to lead their own pharmacy.
Johann Heinrich Merck accompanies Landgravine Caroline of Hesse-Darmstadt on her journey to Russia. He is an author, natural scientist, and friend and patron of Goethe.
Johann Anton Merck studies in Strasbourg under J. R. Spielmann, who significantly contributes to the development of pharmaceutical science. From 1782, he becomes the 5th generation leader of the pharmacy.
Carl Heinrich Merck participates in the Russian Billings-Sarychev expedition from 1785-1793. His ethnographic representations become significant artifacts.
After the death of her husband Johann Anton Merck, Adelheid Merck takes over the management of the family's pharmacy, becoming the "first female CEO" of the company.
With his training under J. B. Trommsdorff and university studies, Emanuel Merck lays the foundation for his major role in transforming pharmacy from a craft into a science.
Emanuel Merck takes over the pharmacy in the 6th generation.
The first documented international business contact leads to Switzerland.
With his Novelty Cabinet, Emanuel Merck announces the start of alkaloid production "on a large scale". He thus focuses entirely on a current research topic.
First documented business contact with France.
Emanuel Merck receives a gold medal from the Société de Pharmacie in Paris for a competition entry on alkaloids.
The first factory in the eastern part of Darmstadt is built. Pharmacy and factory operations grow equally.
First documented business contact in Russia.
First documented business contact in Italy.
First documented business contact in Great Britain.
For the chemist Friedrich Wöhler, Emanuel Merck is an important partner.
First documented business contact in the USA.
Georg Merck, one of Emanuel and Magdalene Merck's sons, discovers the alkaloid papaverine during his studies with Justus Liebig in Giessen.
Emanuel founds a "Business Society" with his sons Carl and Georg. In 1858, his youngest son Wilhelm becomes an equal partner in the company.
Quality guarantee from Emanuel Merck: "I guarantee you at all times the purity of my preparations and assume any disadvantage that should arise for you from an impure preparation."
The company starts production of Cocainum hydrochloricum.
Award for the company at the International Exhibition in Sydney: With the first verifiable business contact in Australia, the company is now represented on all continents.
A company health insurance fund is established.
Ophthalmologist Carl Koller discovers cocaine solution as the method of choice for local anesthesia of the eye. He conducts the decisive experiments with cocaine from the company.
"E. Merck's Annual Reports on Innovations in the Fields of Pharmacotherapy and Pharmacy" (E. Merck Darmstadt, Germany) are published for the first time. They remain an indispensable reference work until 1957.
The company conducts a successful export business to the United States and decides to open a branch office in New York.
From May 1887 to December 1888, Willy Merck undertakes a journey around the world on behalf of the company.
Carl Krauch publishes "The Testing of Chemical Reagents for Purity". The first standard work on analytics is the basis for for the company's "guaranteed pure reagents … pro analysi".
First "biotechnological" experiments are conducted in a "fermentation room" in the Darmstadt factory.
Introduction of Pyoktanin, a triphenylmethane dye with strong antifungal and antibacterial effects. It is the first "special preparation" of the company with a trademark-protected name.
Georg Merck and Theodor Weicker found a company domiciled in New York, the name today is Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
In New York, a company (the name today is Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.) is publicly established as a “new branch”, i.e. a company operating independently.
First verifiable business contact in India.
The company participates in the World's Fair in Chicago, USA, and is awarded.
A pharmaceutical factory is founded in Rahway, New Jersey. Manufacture includes the Darmstadt range of products, yet many products are imported.
The "Camomile Man", which has been used as a factory mark since the 1870s, is registered as a legally protected trademark.
Establishment of the bacteriology department for research, development and production of diphtheria antitoxin, diagnostic tuberculin, smallpox vaccine, etc.
With the opening of a pharmacy, the U.S. subsidiary commences the direct customer business.
First documented business contact with China.
Start of production of the sedative barbiturate Veronal (diethylbarbituric acid).
The company provides sorbents for chromatography – one year after the description of the separation principle later named as such.
The move to the new factory premises on Frankfurter Strasse in Darmstadt is completed.
The production of medicines increasingly shifts from pharmacies to factories. The company publishes the first list of finished medicinal products.
The company offers substances with liquid crystalline properties. In 1905, a long-term collaboration in this field begins with Otto Lehmann, physicist at the Technical University of Karlsruhe.
E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany, Boehringer in Mannheim Waldhof, Knoll & Co. in Ludwigshafen and Gehe & Co. AG in Dresden join together in a "community of interests … for the purpose of joint business operations".
Professor Cesare Serono founds the "Istituto Nazionale Medico Farmacologico" in Italy. In 2007, the Serono company will be acquired by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.
First documented business contact in Korea.
The IG partners E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany, Boehringer and Knoll produce a range of frequently prescribed tablets and ampoules and distribute them from 1915 under the trademark "MBK".
Introduction of Citobaryum as a "contrast agent for X-ray fluoroscopy".
Introduction of Eukodal (oxycodone) as a strong painkiller.
The American subsidiary is expropriated. The background is the entry of the USA into World War I.
The first image film of the company is created. The focus is primarily on foreign advertising. It becomes the first film about the German chemical-pharmaceutical industry.
Introduction of Novothyral for the treatment of thyroid diseases.
The company works together with later Nobel Prize winner Richard Willstätter on changes to the cocaine molecule to obtain a more favorable effect profile. Psicain comes onto the market.
E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany, Junkers-Flugzeugwerk AG in Dessau and forest administrations cooperate in the control of forest pests.
The first standardized vitamin D preparation is jointly introduced by E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany and Bayer. It was developed by the Göttingen scientist and later Nobel Prize winner Adolf Windaus.
A combination of the alkaloid scopolamine, Ephetonin (synthetic ephedrine) and Eukodal (oxycodone) is introduced for pain relief, mental calming and anesthesia preparation.
Establishment of a branch in Mexico.
As the oldest open partner, Karl Merck becomes senior head of the company.
After the conclusion of the contract, the name Merck may only be used by the American company in the USA and Canada, and by the Darmstadt company in the rest of the world.
First branch in China is founded.
The company begins promoting oncology research.
Ascorbic acid is marketed under the name Cebion as the first vitamin C preparation. The use of the "Reichstein synthesis" is accompanied by disputes with Hoffmann-La Roche.
The first employee newspaper of the company appears.
Founding of Midwest Consultants in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, a predecessor of Sigma-Aldrich, which Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will acquire in 2015.
The company kindergarten in Darmstadt is opened.
About 1,000 employees are with the Wehrmacht. Prisoners of war and "foreign civilian workers" arrive. From 1942, 257 Russians and eight Poles, mostly women, are forced laborers in the company.
Theodor Moll researches penicillin. He and many of his employees are killed in an air raid one year later, on December 12, 1944. This marks the end of penicillin research of the company.
The air raid on the headquarters in Darmstadt on December 12, 1944 claims 60 lives. 70% to 80% of the production capacity on the factory premises is destroyed.
American troops occupy the plant at the end of March. On April 30, the company receives permission to manufacture pharmaceutical preparations in view of the desolate medical supply situation of the population.
The Sigma Company emerges from Midwest Consultants. In 1975, Sigma merges with Aldrich, a company founded in 1951, to become Sigma-Aldrich, which will be acquired by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in 2015.
A famous Digitoxin preparation becomes an indispensable medication in cardiology.
The chemist Piero Donini at Serono successfully isolates gonadotropin, usually obtained from the pituitary gland, from the urine of postmenopausal women.
Rental of a factory from Süddeutsche Zucker AG in Gernsheim and start of production of pest control agents. The factory is bought in 1954.
Subsidiaries lost in World War II can be reacquired.
A photochlorination plant is put into operation in Gernsheim for the production of lindane.
Jack Bush founds the Millipore Filtration Corporation. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will acquire the US company in 2010.
E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany, receives licenses from Schering Corporation, USA, for microbiological production of corticosteroids and builds a state-of-the-art fermentation unit for this purpose. Decortin is introduced.
The first "guest workers", 30 Italians, come to the company.
The α-sympathomimetic oxymetazoline is introduced under the trade name Nasivin against rhinitis.
Research begins in the field of rapid reagents and diagnostics after conclusion of a license and distribution agreement with the American company Ames.
Introduction of Merckotest reagents.
The first biological sewage treatment plant in the chemical industry in Europe is put into operation in Darmstadt.
The "Instrumentalkreis" is founded at the company (today "Deutsche Philharmonie Merck", sponsored by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany).
The "Company and Family Archive, especially the estate of War Councillor Johann Heinrich Merck and the letter collections" is included in the state register of nationally valuable archives.
The antibiotic Refobacin (Gentamycin) is introduced based on the license from the American Schering Corporation. This opens up a therapeutic field of application.
An innovative field of work is rediscovered: "Liquid crystals" for technical applications. The company had already supported this research area in 1905.
Founding of the company's Kindergarten Association; The association is the sponsor of the Kindergarten, which was inaugurated in 1969.
The first issue of "Aldrichimica acta" appears, "an open-access, international forum for the frontiers of chemical research".
E. Merck Darmstadt, Germany founded a registered association for art and science.
With the classification of fine-particle, porous silica gels and aluminum oxides, the company begins production of substances for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
The company is on the moon. Patinal vapor deposition chemicals are found on the helmets of the astronauts. The α-sympathomimetic oxymetazoline (Nasivin) developed by the company in 1961 is part of the on-board pharmacy.
In the USA, "EM Laboratories Inc. Affiliate of E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany" is established to take over the distribution of chemicals and reagents.
First documented business contact in Taiwan.
After Hans Harms retires as Chairman of the Executive Board, the Shareholders' Council appoints Hans Joachim Langmann as his successor.
Acquisition of the chemical factory Dr. Theodor Schuchardt.
Merger of the company's and C. H. Boehringer Ingelheim's plant protection business into "Celamerck GmbH & Co. KG".
Serono founds the joint venture Interpharm with the Weizmann Institute in Israel. The jointly developed interferon-beta will later be used under the name Rebif against multiple sclerosis.
BDH Chemicals (subsidiary of E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) receives the "Queens Award for Technological Achievement" for the development of biphenyl liquid crystals.
The substance EMD 29810, synthesized at the company, and further developed as "Praziquantel" in cooperation with Bayer from 1974, is introduced for the treatment of schistosomiasis.
Bracco introduces the non-ionic X-ray contrast agent Iopamidol in Italy and Germany. The company has a 50% stake in the company.
P.T. Merck Indonesia, affiliate of E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany, goes public as the first company in the Group.
E. Merck India Ltd., affiliate of E. Merck, Darmstadt, Germany, carries out a capital increase and becomes the second company in the Group to list its shares on the stock exchange.
Together with Bayer, the company receives the "Galenus von Pergamon Prize" for the development of Praziquantel."
The beta-blocker Concor with the active ingredient bisoprolol comes onto the market.
Establishment of a branch office in Korea (Seoul).
Establishment of a branch office in Taiwan (Taipei).
The most modern filling plant for process chemicals in Europe is put into operation in Darmstadt.
Acquisition of a majority stake (52%) in Société Lyonnaise Industrielle Pharmaceutique S.A. (Lipha).
The conversion into a partnership limited by shares (KGaA) and capitalization on the market is the basis for future investments. In 1995, the Merck family holds 74 percent of the company shares.
Glucophage (metformin), a drug developed by Lipha for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, is introduced in the USA.
A cooperation with the US companies SmithKline Beecham and Human Genome Sciences secures the use of the most modern methods of genomic research.
Expansion of facilities in Darmstadt for the production of high-purity hydrogen peroxide solution for the semiconductor industry in Europe.
The "Bioinformatics Department" develops computer-oriented methods to exploit the information contained in DNA and protein sequence databases.
Acquisition of the American company CN Biosciences, San Diego, USA, at 96.5%. The product range includes reagents for biotechnology and genetic engineering.
The European Commission approves Serono's interferon-beta-1a preparation Rebif for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the EU.
With the acquisition of a majority stake in the research company ImClone and the rights to the monoclonal antibody C225, the company intensifies its oncology research.
The stake in the US company Lexigen Pharmaceuticals Corp. is increased to 97.15%. With this acquisition, the company strengthens its oncology research.
The stake in VWR Scientific Products is increased from 49.9 to 100 percent. The acquisition lays the foundation for building a global laboratory distribution business.
1999 In Vevey, Switzerland, Serono opens one of the largest and most modern biotech facilities in the world.
Hans Joachim Langmann retires as Chairman of the Executive Board. Since then, no family member has been at the helm of operations. Bernhard Scheuble takes over the position.
With sales of 2,585 million euros (+70%), North America becomes the largest market for the first time with a share of 38%.
With "Chromolith SpeedROD", the world's fastest chromatographic separation column is developed.
Erbitux (Cetuximab) is approved for colorectal cancer in Switzerland. It is the first market approval for a product from the oncology pipeline.
A research team wins the German Future Prize. Thanks to Vertical Alignment technology, flat, fast, energy-saving and large-format LCD screens can be produced for the first time.
The world's most modern factory for the production of liquid crystal substances is put into operation in Darmstadt.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the market leader in vapor deposition chemicals for optical coating (Patinal®).
Acquisition of OLED research and development activities from Schott AG, Mainz.
Acquisition of the OLED materials business and research activities in the field of polymer electronics from Avecia, Manchester. The core is Covion Organic Semiconductors GmbH.
Michael Römer becomes Chairman of the Executive Board.
The International Diabetes Federation publishes the first globally valid guidelines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They confirm metformin (Glucophage) as the "gold standard" of therapy.
Karl-Ludwig Kley becomes Chairman of the Executive Board. Under his leadership, a transformation process is initiated through which the company develops into a technology and science group.
Acquisition of the biopharmaceutical company Serono.
With a partnership agreement, the company and WHO aim to eradicate the tropical disease bilharzia. Since then, the company has been donating tablets containing the active ingredient praziquantel.
The company moves up from the M-Dax to the DAX, which lists the 30 largest companies on the German stock market.
Approval of Pergoveris for stimulating follicle maturation in women.
Groundbreaking for the expansion of the 'Biotech Center' in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland, the largest single project of all investments by the company.
Introduction of Rebismart, the first electronic injection aid for Rebif for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
The best-selling endocrinology product is the recombinant human growth hormone Saizen.
Acquisition of Millipore Corporation, a leading life science company based in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Through the "Access to Health" initiative, the company aims to address health issues in developing countries.
The FDA grants approval for Gonal-f RFF Redi-ject (follitropin alfa injection), an application aid for self-administration of fertility hormones.
Through the acquisition of AZ Electronic Materials, the company expands its business with high-tech electronic materials.
A strategic alliance in the field of immuno-oncology is entered into with Pfizer for the development and marketing of Avelumab.
Completion of the acquisition of the American life science company Sigma-Aldrich. This makes the company one of the leading providers in the life science industry.
Stefan Oschmann becomes the new Chairman of the Executive Board.
The European Patent Office grants the company a patent for CRISPR technology for use in a genome integration process for eukaryotic cells.
Approval of Mavenclad (Cladribine) in the EU as the first medication for oral short-term treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis with high disease activity.
The oncology drug Bavencio is approved in the USA, EU, Japan, Switzerland and Canada for metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. It is jointly marketed by EMD Serono and Pfizer.
The 'Future Insight Prize' to promote groundbreaking scientific work is being launched and endowed with up to 1 million euros annually.
The Pergoveris Pen is the first product with a combination of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and recombinant luteinizing hormone (LH) in a ready-to-use version.
Approval of Mavenclad (Cladribine) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis in the USA
Acquisition of Intermolecular. The company brings material expertise, platforms and analysis infrastructures.
Acquisition of Versum Materials. The company brings ultra-pure process chemicals and equipment for semiconductor manufacturing.
In Japan, the active ingredient Tepmetko (Tepotinib) receives approval as the first oral MET inhibitor for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Belén Garijo takes over from Stefan Oschmann as Chairman of the Executive Board.
The strategic partnership with BioNTech is expanded. The delivery of urgently needed lipids is accelerated, which are used in the production of the Covid-19 vaccine Comirnaty.
Acquisition of AmpTec, a leading contract manufacturer and developer of mRNA based in Hamburg, Germany.
The FDA approves Tepmetko® for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with genetic alterations in the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET)
Introduction of AIDDISON software, the first AI-supported "Software-as-a-Service" platform that bridges the gap between virtual molecule design and actual manufacturability of active ingredients.
Acquisition of the life science company Mirus Bio LLC (Mirus Bio): The company in the USA specializes in the development and commercialization of transfection reagents.
Acquisition of the Dutch HUB Organoids Holding B.V., Utrecht, a pioneer in the field of organoids.
