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We believe that worldwide access to medicinal product information is one of the keys to improving health care and treatment for patients. For this reason, we support scientific research as well as patient organizations and other key players in the health care industry by donating money and supplies, or through sponsoring activities. With this type of support, it is important for key players to remain neutral in order to protect the patients and ensure them the best treatment. All donations and sponsoring activities must comply with the internal and external standards that apply to our marketing operations. Within the scope of commitments we have made as members of various associations, we furthermore transparently report on the support we provide.
Support for patient organizations in Europe
Patient organizations play an important role in providing patients, their family members and their caregivers with support for and information on dealing with diseases. With these institutions, we share a common goal of improving quality of life for patients, which is why we support this important work. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany explicitly endeavors to exert no influence or control over the information that the organizations communicate to their members. For comprehensive transparency, we publish our donations to European patient organizations on our website and update the information annually . This enables us to fulfill a commitment we have made through our membership in the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA ).
Promoting research
To support the health care system, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany makes monetary contributions and donates supplies to institutions, organizations and associations consisting of members of professional circles. These include medical science professional associations, hospitals and university clinics. This support reflects our values and allows research institutes and related institutions to more easily do their work, which ultimately serves the common good. The contributions are not intended to influence decisions regarding treatment, prescriptions or purchasing. In compliance with the code of conduct of the German Association for the Voluntary Self-Control of the Pharmaceutical Industry (FSA), Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany publishes its contributions made in Germany in excess of € 10,000 per recipient and year. The information is updated on an annual basis.
In order to promote advances in the field of medicine, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany sponsors research and advanced medical training in other countries as well. Here, the prescription medicines division supports efforts such as outstanding research projects through its Grant for Fertility Innovation and its Grant for Multiple Sclerosis Innovation . Through contributions to the charitable Serono Symposia International Foundation , the prescription medicines division supports the foundation's work in providing advanced medical training for scientists, physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health care professionals.
Increasing transparency requirements
The transparency requirements for interactions in and contributions to the health care industry are going to become more stringent in the future. Global transparency initiatives such as the Sunshine Laws in the United States and the initiatives of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) require the disclosure of collaborations between the pharmaceutical industry and physicians, medical organizations, and patient organizations. They are also requiring companies to disclose individual partnerships, specifically naming the physicians in question, as well as to disclose the purpose of the interaction and the amount contributed Ensuring this sort of transparency demands a great deal from a company's internal processes. For example, the data protection law implications have to be legally reviewed, and the subsequent results of the review must be incorporated into the contract management process. Despite the high degree of time and effort, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany supports these transparency initiatives as an expression of our deep sense of responsibility. We continually adapt our systems in response to current developments such as these.
