Who Owns Pepcid?
Pepcid is owned by Merck & Co., a publicly traded American multinational pharmaceutical company. Pepcid is Merck's heartburn and acid reflux treatment. Merck is headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, USA and trades on NYSE (MRK).
Parent Company
Merck & Co.
Founded
1986
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Rahway, New Jersey, USA
Who Owns Pepcid?
- Parent Company: Merck & Co.
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: NYSE: MRK
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Pepcid | Merck & Co. | Wholly owned |
History of Pepcid
- Founded: 1986
- Founders: Merck & Co. (internal development)
Pepcid was developed by Merck & Co. through extensive research into histamine H2 receptor antagonism for treating heartburn and acid reflux. The drug was approved by the FDA in 1986 as a treatment for peptic ulcer disease and later for heartburn. Pepcid represented an important advancement in gastroenterology, offering patients an effective H2 blocker.
The development of Pepcid involved years of research into gastric acid secretion and H2 receptor biology. Merck conducted extensive clinical trials demonstrating the drug's efficacy in treating heartburn and acid reflux. Pepcid quickly became one of the most prescribed heartburn medications globally.
Following its initial approval as a prescription medication, Pepcid became available over-the-counter for treating heartburn. The drug's effectiveness in treating acid reflux made it a standard treatment option for patients with heartburn. Pepcid became one of Merck's most successful and widely available gastroenterology products.
In recent decades, Pepcid has continued to maintain its position as a leading heartburn treatment. The drug has been approved in numerous countries worldwide and has become a standard over-the-counter remedy for heartburn. Pepcid remains one of the most widely used H2 blockers in the market.
About Merck & Co.
What does Merck & Co. own?
Merck & Co. owns a portfolio of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, and animal health medicines. Its most significant asset is Keytruda, the world's best-selling prescription medicine approved for more than 40 cancer indications. Other major products include Gardasil (HPV vaccine), Winrevair (pulmonary arterial hypertension), Januvia (diabetes), and Bridion (anesthesia reversal). The Animal Health segment markets veterinary medicines under the Merck Animal Health brand.
Is Merck & Co. publicly traded?
Yes, Merck & Co., Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol MRK. The company has no controlling shareholder, with ownership distributed among institutional investors including Vanguard Group, BlackRock, and State Street.
What is Merck's annual revenue?
In FY2024, Merck reported worldwide sales of $64.2 billion, a 7% increase from FY2023. The Pharmaceutical segment generated approximately $57.4 billion and the Animal Health segment approximately $5.8 billion. Keytruda alone accounted for approximately $29.5 billion in FY2024 sales.
Who is Merck's CEO?
Robert M. Davis has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Co. since 2021, succeeding Kenneth Frazier. Davis has led the company's strategy of building a post-Keytruda pipeline through acquisitions and internal research investment.
Is Merck & Co. the same as Merck KGaA?
No. Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) and Merck KGaA (a German company) are entirely separate companies with no ownership relationship. The separation dates to 1917, when the U.S. government seized German-owned assets in America during World War I. Merck & Co. uses the MSD name outside the United States and Canada to avoid confusion with the German Merck entity.
What is Keytruda and why is it important to Merck?
Keytruda (pembrolizumab) is a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by blocking a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells. First approved in 2014 for melanoma, it has since been approved for more than 40 cancer indications. In FY2024, Keytruda generated approximately $29.5 billion in global sales, making it the world's best-selling prescription medicine and accounting for roughly 46% of Merck's total worldwide sales.
- Founded: 1668
- Headquarters: Rahway, New Jersey, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: NYSE: MRK
Where Is Pepcid Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Rahway, New Jersey, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Belgium, Germany, Ireland
Brands Owned by Merck & Co.
- Bridion - Prescription medication for reversing neuromuscular blockade during anesthesia, ...
- Cozaar - Prescription blood pressure medication for treating hypertension and kidney dise...
- Emend - Prescription antiemetic medication for preventing nausea and vomiting caused by ...
- Gardasil - Prescription human papillomavirus vaccine for preventing cervical cancer and oth...
- Isentress - Prescription antiretroviral medication for treating HIV infection by inhibiting ...
- Januvia - Prescription diabetes medication for treating type 2 diabetes by increasing insu...
- Keytruda - Prescription immunotherapy medication for treating various cancers by activating...
- Propecia - Prescription medication for treating male pattern baldness by inhibiting hair lo...
- Singulair - Prescription medication for treating asthma and allergies by reducing inflammati...
- Vaseretic - Prescription combination medication for treating high blood pressure, manufactur...
Pepcid Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Effective H2 blocker for heartburn and acid reflux
- +Available over-the-counter for convenient access
- +Proven efficacy in reducing stomach acid
- +Available in multiple formulations for different patient needs
- +Backed by extensive clinical research and safety data
- +Supported by Merck's research capabilities and pharmaceutical expertise
- +Available globally with established distribution networks
Considerations
- -Potential side effects including headache and diarrhea
- -Not suitable for patients with certain stomach conditions
- -Requires consistent use for optimal effectiveness
- -Competition from other heartburn medications
- -Potential for drug interactions with other medications
- -May mask symptoms of more serious conditions
- -Long-term use may affect nutrient absorption
Frequently Asked Questions About Pepcid
Where to Buy
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Pepcid on AmazonCompetitors to Pepcid
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novartis | Switzerland | 2009 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Takeda | Japan | 2018 | Mass Market | Asia Pacific | All Genders | |
| Pfizer | USA | 1998 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Roche | Switzerland | 1995 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Novartis | Switzerland | 2015 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Cvs Health | USA | 1963 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors
Afinitor
Owned by Novartis
Prescription oncology medication for treating various cancers including renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer, manufactured and marketed by Novartis.
Alofisel
Owned by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company
Prescription cell therapy for treating complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease, manufactured and marketed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company.
Celebrex
Owned by Pfizer
Prescription anti-inflammatory medication for treating arthritis pain and inflammation, manufactured and marketed by Pfizer.
CellCept
Owned by Roche
Prescription immunosuppressant medication for preventing organ rejection in transplant recipients, manufactured and marketed by Roche.
Cosentyx
Owned by Novartis
Prescription biologic medication for treating autoimmune diseases including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and other inflammatory conditions.
CVS Pharmacy
Owned by CVS Health
American pharmacy retail chain and one of the largest pharmacy networks in the United States, owned by CVS Health.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Pepcid competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Merck & Co. Stock Information
Jobs at Merck & Co.
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