About MSD and Its Significance in Healthcare
Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), a prominent bio-pharmaceutical company, allocates between 25% and 30% of its annual revenue—approximately $60,000 million—to research and development (R&D).
This substantial investment positions MSD among the top companies investing in R&D, comparable to major tech giants like Apple or Google, according to Leonardo Burcius, the General Manager of MSD Health Animals in Mexico.
Globally, MSD invested $30,500 million in R&D in 2023, which accounted for 50% of the company’s global revenue. In comparison, Apple invested over $31,000 million in R&D in 2024, while Google has invested $75,000 million in artificial intelligence (AI) according to Statista.
MSD’s Focus on Technological Solutions
Burcius highlighted that MSD maintains a continuous product launch agenda, addressing new challenges and introducing innovative solutions. In recent years, the company has invested in technological solutions that provide data and algorithms to support their production chain and animal welfare.
In 2025, MSD Health Animals in Mexico plans to launch products across all segments aimed at enhancing animal well-being. These include a new porcultural vaccine, an antiparasitary for pets with one-year protection against fleas and ticks, as well as smart collars for monitoring animal health and reproduction in livestock.
MSD’s Presence in Mexico
Burcius mentioned that Mexico is the second most significant market for MSD in Latin America, following Brazil and ranking among the top ten globally.
As a major producer and consumer of proteins, Mexico is among the 10 to 15 most important countries in pork, poultry, egg, and dairy production. Although Mexico lacks its own clinical research center, the company imports globally developed products to benefit livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and companion animal producers.
Ganadery is MSD’s primary business in Mexico, followed by poultry and swine. The companion animal segment is driven by the global trend of viewing pets as family members.
Aquaculture, though with less participation, holds significant potential due to the adoption of technologies like tilapia vaccines.
Opportunities Amidst Trade Pressures
Burcius emphasized that despite current trade pressures and tariffs, MSD sees opportunities in Mexico. He stressed that the company focuses on possibilities rather than crises, as health and food are fundamental for life.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, food production never ceased, demonstrating its importance. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, there will be a growing need for food security and accessibility.
Consequently, more technologies and solutions are required to support the production chain of meat, milk, and eggs, ensuring safer and more accessible food for everyone.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is MSD and its significance in healthcare? MSD, or Merck Sharp & Dohme, is a leading bio-pharmaceutical company that invests heavily in research and development, making it comparable to major tech companies like Apple or Google.
- What are MSD’s investments in R&D? MSD allocates 25% to 30% of its annual revenue, approximately $60,000 million, to R&D. Globally, the company invested $30,500 million in R&D in 2023, representing 50% of its global revenue.
- What technological solutions is MSD focusing on? MSD has been investing in technological solutions that provide data and algorithms to support their production chain and enhance animal welfare. These include smart collars for monitoring animal health and reproduction in livestock.
- What is MSD’s position in the Mexican market? Mexico is the second most significant market for MSD in Latin America, following Brazil. The company’s primary businesses are ganadery, poultry, and swine, with companion animals driven by the global trend of viewing pets as family members.
- How does MSD view current trade pressures? Despite trade pressures and tariffs, MSD sees opportunities in Mexico. The company focuses on possibilities rather than crises, emphasizing health and food as fundamental aspects of life.
- Why is food production crucial, especially with a growing global population? With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, there will be a growing need for food security and accessibility. More technologies and solutions are required to support the production chain of meat, milk, and eggs.
