Word: merck
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...been disappointed. Earlier this year, it seemed that science had its best shot yet, with a large trial of a new vaccine that would use a novel strategy to protect the body against HIV. In September, however, the results were announced, and this vaccine too had failed. Its developer, Merck, has now released an analysis of the trial, and while the vaccine performed as poorly as reported, the reasons it failed provide insight into what might make it succeed next time...
...Merck vaccine used a different approach, called cell-mediated immunity. Scientists inserted three HIV genes into an ordinary cold virus and injected it into the body. Immune-system dendritic cells would, it was hoped, gobble up the virus and then display its gene markers--along with those of the HIV. This would teach the immune system's T cells to recognize and kill AIDS-infected cells...
...Merck's success in Botswana and similar CSR successes by other companies around the globe raise an interesting question: might businesses be better at aid than traditional NGOs and charities? There's reason to suppose they might be. After all, businesses the size of Merck are capable of marshaling greater medical expertise and more resources than any one NGO, and they are obsessed with results and efficiency...
...Merck's partner in ACHAP, the Gates Foundation, has ruffled many NGO feathers by imposing the same standards of accountability and transparency used by business on projects it funds - and cutting off those who don't comply. "There's been a paradigm shift in how people view the potential contribution of the private sector," says Dr. Nick Hellman, who made an inspection of ACHAP in August on behalf of the Gates Foundation. "They have the knowledge and the experience. Most drug companies have specific programs geared toward global health issues. If you're trying to distribute drugs...
...Merck, naturally, expects benefits from its good work. Sturchio acknowledges that CSR is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for any large corporation hoping to operate in the developing world. "Simply complying with regulations is not enough," he says. "Society expects more." Healthy societies are good for all kinds of business. "You could say that one reason we do this kind of work is that in the long run healthy people boost economic development, which will create robust markets for Merck products," says Sturchio. "Health leads to wealth, and there is a long-term benefit to our business." Nevertheless, Sturchio contends...