This is Zack Fuss. Today we are breaking down Merck, one of the world's largest and oldest pharmaceutical companies. The company has been shaping medicine and fostering innovation for over 130 years. From its humble beginnings as a small family pharmacy in Germany, today's iteration of Merck has transformed into a nearly $300 billion market cap business with particular strength in oncology. 

At the heart of Merck's recent success is Keytruda, arguably the world's most important cancer drug. This single medication now generates over $25 billion in annual revenue. But, Merck's story is not only about Keytruda, it's about a company that's consistently pursued innovative science, combined with a handful of bold decisions, which resulted in the development of some of the world's first vaccines and breakthroughs in diabetes treatment. 

To break down Merck, I am joined by Ashwin Varma, who is currently a medical student at UT Health San Antonio. We unpack Merck's business model, explore its industry-leading oncology franchise, and examine its pipeline of future drugs, and understand how they have navigated the complex world of pharmaceutical patents and regulation. Please enjoy this Breakdown on Merck. 

For the full show notes, transcript, and links to the best content to learn more, check out the episode page here.

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Show Notes

(00:00:00) Welcome to Business Breakdowns

(00:05:50) History and Evolution of Merck

(00:08:32) Merck's Blockbuster Era and Challenges

(00:10:51) Understanding the Pharma Industry

(00:15:32) Merck's Current Business and Financials

(00:20:48) Patent Protection and R&D Strategies

(00:35:00) Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Breakthrough in Cancer Treatment

(00:35:54) The Rise of Keytruda: From Trials to Triumph

(00:37:56) Keytruda's Expanding Indications and Market Impact

(00:39:56) Understanding Cancer Therapy Lines

(00:42:09) Keytruda's Competitive Landscape and Future Challenges

(00:46:33) Merck's Strategy for Post-Patent Success

(00:57:41) Leadership and Organizational Structure at Merck

(01:04:01) Lessons from breaking down Merck