MERCK KGAA - ANALYSIS OF PATENTING 1993-1996

Merck KGaA are shown in this profile to be filing pharmaceutical paten t applications steadily, concentrating on cardiovascular and blood clo tting therapies. A large team previously producing angiotensin II anta gonists is now turning its attention to Na+/H+ exchange inhibitors; an other is exploring cellular adhesion inhibitors. Few of these patentin g initiatives have yet shown up in the company's development portfolio . Unlike many companies, Merck KGaA does not routinely use the PCT mec hanism to protect major inventions.