Some of the most advanced scientific technologies in regenerative medicine involve animal or human embryonic stem cells or stem cells developed through somatic cell nuclear transfer.

Merck believes that such research has the potential to help identify important new medicines and therapies for important unmet needs. Merck has been conducting research into the biology of stem cells for more than a decade. This research has involved the use of animal or human adult stem cells.

Merck recently formed a Regenerative Medicine Oversight Committee comprising Merck and external experts. This committee helps oversee Merck's research involving stem cells, including highly targeted research using human embryonic stem cells.

Merck, along with the scientific community, believes that research using stem cells, including human embryonic stem cells, has the potential to help identify medicines and therapies that will treat or cure diseases and alleviate the suffering of patients. Examples would include Parkinson's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis and trauma.

Merck conducts research using stem cells in full accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and our own research policies. Merck research involving human embryonic stem cells is guided by National Academy of Sciences guidelines.