AI @ Merck & Co.
Summary
- Merck has steadily increased its adoption and integration of AI technologies from late 2023 through 2025, focusing on generative AI and machine learning to accelerate drug discovery, optimize small molecule design, and enhance clinical study processes, achieving notable product developments such as the AI-designed KRAS G12C inhibitor MK-1084.
- Strategic partnerships with AI research institutions like the Vector Institute and collaborations with startups like Variational AI have enabled Merck to deepen AI capabilities and expand its R&D pipeline with deals valued up to $349 million, while internal AI innovations such as the TEDDY foundation model improve disease inference accuracy by 10%, reflecting a systemic AI embedment led by key figures including Dr. Iya Khalil.
- By 2025, Merck has broadened AI applications beyond drug discovery to clinical document authoring and digital health tools like the AI-enhanced Merck Manuals search, signifying mature, multi-faceted AI use that boosts efficiency, productivity, and product innovation across Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics business divisions.
VIBE METER
5 AI Use Cases at Merck & Co.
Digital Health Search2025Customer Facing
Target Identification2025
Clinical Authoring2025
Drug Discovery2025
Research Insight2024
Timeline
2025 Q4: no updates
2025 Q3
Merck doubled down on AI-driven small molecule development by signing a $349 million biobucks deal with Variational AI to target challenging disease targets, reinforcing its commitment to AI-augmented drug discovery.
2025 Q2
Merck expanded internal generative AI platforms to reduce clinical study document production times, launched AI-powered search tools for Merck Manuals, and integrated advanced AI models like TEDDY, improving target ID speed and disease inference accuracy by 10%, under leadership of Dr. Iya Khalil.
2025 Q1
Merck embraced AI with human-in-the-loop approaches to accelerate drug target identification and development, leveraging large language models to enhance drug discovery, optimize small molecule properties, and accelerate drug manufacturing processes.
2024 Q4
Merck published a 360-degree perspective on AI, highlighting company-wide AI adoption to increase productivity and innovation in life sciences, healthcare, and electronics; use of AI to analyze tissue and tumor samples to identify disease patterns was showcased.
2024 Q3
Merck presented the broad potential and cultural integration of AI within the company, focusing on AI-driven transformation in life sciences and healthcare to improve scientific work and innovation.
2024 Q2
Merck KGaA entered a $376 million pact with AI-focused biotech Biolojic Design for AI-driven drug discovery in oncology and immunology, while Boston Consulting Group announced a GenAI collaboration with Merck to expand AI capabilities.
2024 Q1
Merck partnered with the Vector Institute to advance healthcare AI and initiated generative AI projects with Variational AI to design novel small molecules; early adoption of generative AI tools aimed at matching target product profiles was reported.
2023 Q4
Merck launched its first-ever AI solution combining generative AI, machine learning, and computer-aided drug design to integrate drug discovery and synthesis, accelerating drug development and increasing success rates.