Merck Transforms Trial Efficiency With Strategic eTMF Initiative

For many global life sciences companies, maintaining an inspection-ready trial master file (TMF), gaining insights into study processes, and collaborating with external partners requires significant time and manual intervention. Merck has embarked on a company-wide mission to update its TMF processes and technology to ensure greater quality documentation and timeliness, while making it easier for study personnel to reach critical milestones.

A History of Innovation

Merck has a longstanding dedication to improve the health and well-being of people around the globe. Through the years, its researchers have helped to find new ways to treat and prevent illness – from the discovery of vitamin B1 to the first statins to treat high cholesterol. Merck’s scientists have also helped develop many novel products to improve animal health, including vaccines and antibiotics.

The Challenge

On par with its commitment to developing innovative products, the company has a history of leveraging new technologies to drive process improvement. Merck was one of the first life sciences companies to adopt early content management tools when most global pharmaceutical companies still relied on paper. However, its once “state-of-the-art,” on-premise system was now outdated, and it was increasingly difficult to find and retrieve clinical trial documents for filings and site inspections.