Time for new beginnings

COVID-19 not only closed physical borders, it compelled us to build imaginary walls between each other, even within families.

And yet, as I look back on 2020, I am inspired by the humility and generosity that has arisen out of the depths of this tragedy. The speed with which we, collectively as a human race, pivoted to the offensive, shines through in our ability to resolutely come together.

We are stronger together

There are many examples of this around the world, all unprecedented. Retailers switched from clothes and perfumes to face masks and hand sanitizer. The automotive industry started producing medical equipment such as ventilators and respirators. Grassroots initiatives and trends provided relief and hope, and renewed focus on science.

Within our industry, we joined a consortium of life sciences companies and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to accelerate our efforts in the delivery of vaccines, diagnostics and treatments for COVID-19, and to enhance equal access around the world. We now see companies and people who normally didn’t partner working as one, while retaining their individuality. 

At Merck, we redirected one of our pipeline assets, and through evidence-based research, were able to quickly repurpose it: This small molecule is currently in Phase II clinical trials, targeting cytokine storms that suddenly appear in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Throughout the crisis, treating the physical and emotional aspects of the virus brought preventative health and mental health to the forefront. This is a critical topic that should not be underscored, and we must continue to combat depression, burnout, fear and feelings of despair. Our people are – and always will be – our most valuable resource.

Hope for 2021

We can all agree that there is no going back to the way things were before COVID-19. It’s our opportunity to drive change where it’s needed most. Even with the imminent dissemination of a vaccine, we will still face new challenges, as well as familiar ones, such as access to health. We have an obligation to society to address fair distribution of resources across the globe, not only in terms of the vaccine, but all aspects of healthcare.

We face quickly changing guidelines as regulatory agencies work to ensure compliance and security for new innovations. Regulatory harmonization across countries is challenging as resources, unmet medical needs and processes vary from country to country.

We have an unprecedented opportunity to drive our industry forward, especially in areas of digital health, data sharing and how we work. Germany, for example, is the first country in the world permitting doctors to prescribe digital apps to their patients, with costs covered by statutory health insurance. This opens up immense possibilities for companies, healthcare workers, patients and families. Virtual doctor visits will allow those who cannot travel access to a professional opinion. Patients can be monitored real-time from the comfort of their own homes. Information and education can be offered to patients in a timely manner. The benefits are endless.

Data sharing across an organization, between hospital systems, and even across country borders will shorten the timeframes for research discovery and drug development and raise the bar in standards of care. Data sharing also helps our policy and decision makers to understand impact and make better decisions. This was intensified by the pandemic and is something we must continue to do.

The way we work has also changed. We’re become more agile and resilient in order to quickly adjust and re-adjust. Working from home, implementing new processes, re-thinking how we behave became a necessity. Irrespective of technology, this required a massive shift in mindset.

End of the year, end of an era

2020 has been significant for everyone. For me personally, it also symbolizes the end of an era as it is my last full year as CEO of Healthcare at Merck. I’m grateful to all of our people who have tirelessly given and delivered more than expected, and who embody our values of curiosity, courage and integrity. I’m honored to lead Merck as of May next year and am appreciative for the trust from the Merck Family. 

Succeeding Stefan Oschmann is an incredible honor and responsibility. By virtue of his vision and strong leadership over these years, Merck stands on very solid and sustainable foundations on which I am certain lies a future of success. Working alongside Stefan has been the most gratifying experience of my professional career.

This year has forced us to re-prioritize, personally and professionally, while testing our ability to empathize, as individuals and as a society. It has triggered innovation and transformation. We have proven our resilience, but it is not yet time to sit back and relax. I want to ensure that we can hold our loved ones in our arms again, that no one is denied the care they deserve, and that circumstances brought on by this pandemic no longer affect us as deeply again. Don’t you?