Merck strengthens commitment to China with rare disease awareness initiative

Merck will continue to invest in innovation and work with healthcare, patient and public-interest partners in China to address unmet medical needs and bring more medicines to more patients, faster, an executive of the company said.

Andre Musto, managing director and general manager of Merck Healthcare China, made the remarks at a charity event called "Encountering One in 200,000: Desmoid Tumor Patient Story Exhibition," which aims to raise awareness of desmoid tumors, a rare and locally aggressive tumor that can significantly affect patients' mobility, careers, family plans and quality of life.

China remains an important market for Merck, which has been rooted in the country for more than 90 years. The company will continue to advance solutions across its healthcare portfolio, with rare diseases representing a key area of focus, as the company collaborates with government, hospitals, patient organizations and other partners to address unmet clinical needs, Musto said.

The exhibition, jointly organized by the China Association for Promotion of Health Science and Technology and the Chinese Organization for Rare Disorders, with public-interest support from Merck Healthcare China, kicked off on Sunday at Beijing's 798 Art District. Representatives from healthcare institutions, patient organizations and Merck attended the opening.

The exhibition features 16 real-life patient stories, combining disease education, short documentaries, patient stories and interactive experiences to bring the experiences of people living with desmoid tumors to the public.

Desmoid tumors are rare and their progression can be difficult to predict. Depending on their location and progression, they may cause pain, impaired function and other challenges that affect daily life, said Li Shu, a physician with Peking University Cancer Hospital in Beijing.

By bringing patient stories into the public spotlight, the initiative seeks to improve understanding of rare diseases and encourage greater collaboration among healthcare professionals, patient organizations, companies and society.

Dong Yuan contributed to this story.