MSD Celebrates 50 Years at Globally Significant Production and Innovation Site Schachen (LU)

09.07.2026 | from MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG

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MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG
Image rights: MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG

09.07.2026, MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme, a globally leading biopharma company, announces that today marks the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking of its Schachen site in the Lucerne canton. Since July 9, 1976, the branch has grown from a small unit to an important part of the global MSD network, significantly contributing to the development and provision of innovative medicines.


In the last 20 years alone, more than CHF 230 million have been invested. More than 300 employees work on the development, production and analysis of biotechnological substances, conduct stability studies and support clinical trials worldwide. Thus, Schachen makes an important contribution to MSD's global mission of saving and sustainably improving lives through leading science.

"The Schachen site is an important part of our global network and exemplifies MSD's innovative strength. The work of the teams on site is crucial for advancing innovative medicines for patients worldwide. We are proud of the development of this site and the people who have shaped it for 50 years," says Franz Escherich, Chairman of the Board of MSD Group in Switzerland.

"50 years of Schachen are above all about the people who have built and further developed this site. Their dedication, expertise and collaboration make Schachen what it is today - a strong, internationally networked site with a clear focus on quality and patient benefit," says José Juan Cores, Site Head Schachen and Senior Director, Biologics Analytical R&D.

The site combines a wide range of expertise - from biologics development to analytical and microbiological laboratories to engineering, technology, and global clinical supply activities, and has been training apprentices since 1977. Additionally, MSD operates one of three forensic laboratories worldwide in Schachen, where suspected counterfeit MSD products from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are examined.

Throughout the summer and autumn, MSD will appropriately celebrate the 50th anniversary at Schachen through various external and internal events.

For further information, please visit www.msd.ch, de.msd- animal-health.ch, www.msd-gesundheit.ch, www.mymsd.ch, and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

Press Contact:
Antonio Ligi
Head of Communications
+41 76 203 44 96
media.switzerland@msd.com

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG


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MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG


For more than 125 years, MSD has been committed to life by developing medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. We work towards realizing our mission of saving and improving lives.

MSD is a trade name of Merck & Co., Inc. with headquarters in Kenilworth, New Jersey, in the USA. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and global health by enhancing access to healthcare through broad strategies, programs and partnerships.

Today, MSD remains a leader in researching the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten humans and animals, including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases. We strive to be the world's leading research-intensive biopharmaceutical company.

Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.

Source: MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG, Press release

Original article published on: MSD feiert 50 Jahre global bedeutenden Produktions- und Innovationsstandort Schachen (LU)