Merck's (MRK) current generation of drugs are under siege, some because they will go "off patent" and others because of FDA troubles. The Big Pharma operation has managed to get its shares near a 52-week low at $34.50. That is down from a period high of $61.62. The cholesterol drug Vytorin had over $5 billion in worldwide sales last year. Merck markets it in a partnership with Schering-Plough (SGP). Medical experts have expressed significant concerns that the treatment causes cancer. Merck still faces some level of risk from suits involving its drug Vioxx. Drug Cozaar/Hyzaar goes "off patent" in 2010 and Singulair loses its protection in 2012. According to Morningstar, these drugs were 30% of revenue in 2007.Merck has 60,000 employees. It will have to do with a lot less.
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