Immunology
We’re at the forefront of research, seeking to translate scientific discoveries into treatments for people with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Research | Our focus | Careers I Collaborations
Our immunology research efforts
We aspire to be a leader in immunology. Our scientists are applying their expertise to the discovery and development of therapies to alleviate the burden of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. We’re thinking strategically about how we can elevate the standards of care in key disease areas by identifying novel targets, combining targets and investigating precision medicine.
Researching new targets
We’re investigating novel targets that have been implicated in many autoimmune-related diseases, including tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A (TL1A) and CD30L. Initial research suggests that TL1A plays an important role in both inflammatory and fibrotic pathways, not just in IBD, but likely in other immune-mediated diseases. We look forward to seeing what additional research will show and remain committed to advancing our pipeline across a broad range of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.
Pursuing combination therapies
We’re investing in discovery and development efforts to advance investigational therapies aimed at combining novel targets in one medicine.
Exploring precision medicine
We’ve made significant investments over the past few years and hope to usher in a new era in immunology. We’re focused on precision medicine both in terms of what we target in the body as well as working to understand which patients may respond better to potential therapies. The ultimate goal is to be able to deliver the right medicine for the right patient at the right time.
Our focus on immunology research and treatments
Despite the advancements made in immunology research over the past decade, challenges in patient care and gaps in treatment remain. We’re accelerating our growing capabilities in immunology and evaluating new treatment options for people with certain immune disorders.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the digestive tract and impacting nearly three million people in the U.S. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are two of the most common forms of IBD. The unpredictable symptoms associated with IBD, which may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, unintended weight loss and fatigue, often create emotional and social challenges for those impacted.
Scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD)
Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune condition that affects connective tissue in the body, typically causing the skin to thicken and tighten. The disease can impact other organs and commonly manifests as interstitial lung disease, which affects the tissue and space around the air sacs of the lungs. Interstitial lung disease caused by systemic sclerosis is known as scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Systemic sclerosis impacts approximately 100,000 people in the U.S., with interstitial lung disease occurring in more than half and often associated with a poor prognosis.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a condition that causes painful skin lumps, which are often mistaken for pimples and cysts. These lumps are typically found near hair follicles around sweat glands, including the groin, breasts and armpits. Without treatment, the condition can worsen and cause abscesses, or pockets of pus, that can break open and form scars, and may also lead to the formation of tunnels under the skin, called sinus tracts. Hidradenitis suppurativa can have long-term impacts, including decreased mobility due to scarring and chronic intense pain. An estimated 1% of the U.S. population is living with hidradenitis suppurativa and women are three times more likely than men to develop the condition.
Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA)
Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) (also known as ankylosing spondylitis) is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and the joints which connect the spine to the pelvis. It’s characterized by persistent pain and damage that is visible on X-ray imaging. It’s estimated that about 0.55% of U.S adults are affected by r-axSpA.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily causes inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints, especially in the hands, wrists and feet. It can also affect skin, eyes, mouth, heart and lungs. In the U.S., approximately 1.3 million adults live with RA, representing 0.6% to 1% of the adult population.
Careers at Merck
Motivated to advance new research in immunology, we rely on world-class expertise. Our team is always growing, so join us and start making your impact today.
Business development and licensing
We follow the science where we can make the greatest difference, now and in the future. We’ve made significant investments over the past few years in immunology through business development and licensing opportunities.
