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Merck Thyroid History
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In 1894, E. Merck introduced one of the first thyroid preparations in the world. Since then, E. Merck has played a substantial role in thyroid research and development:
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1894
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Thyroidinum siccatum
Introduction of desiccated sheep thyroid gland (powder, later tablets) in Germany. Available as Thyroidin Merck until 1983
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1896
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Thyroidin Merck (USA)
Offered in the price list published in Merck's 1896 Index (New York)
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1901
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Antithyroidin Merck
Produced from the serum of thyroidectomized rams (Moebius)
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1911
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Glandula Thyroideae siccata "Merck" Tabletten
Dessiccated thyroid gland available as tablets
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1912
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Research on a standardized thyroid extract product
(Annual report Scientific Laboratory 1912)
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1921
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Thyreoidinum depurat. Notkin Tabletten
Thyroid protein extract
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1925
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Evaluation of Kendall's Thyroxine
"Obviously thyroxine is not the only active thyroid product"
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1925
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Thyroidea Opton
Introduction of protein-free degradation product of the thyroid gland
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1928
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Novothyral
Introduction of water soluble standardized thyroid extract (Axolotl)
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1941
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Thyroidin Merck
Standardized also with Axolotl method
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1948
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Methicil
Brand of Methylthiouracil available from Merck in Germany
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1965
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Kalium jodatum Compretten (100 mg KI)
Indicated for prevention of radioactive iodine incorporporation in nuclear accidents
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1968
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Novothyral
Newly introduced as a T4/T3 combination in Germany
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1973
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Euthyrox
Mono T4 tablets introduced in Germany, later in many other countries
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1975
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Jodid Merck
Iodide 100 µg tablets (later 200 and 500 µg) introduced in Germany
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1985
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Jodthyrox
T4/Iodide combination introduced in Germany for iodine deficiency goiter
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1990
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Thyrozol
Thiamazole (Methimazole) introduced in Germany
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1993
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Beginning globalization of Merck KGaA's thyroid business
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The thyroid products of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, are marketed all over the world, from France to Vietnam, from Russia to Chile. The most important product is Euthyrox (Eutirox, Lévothyrox) which is a levothyroxine (T4) monopreparation. Other regionally sold products are T4/T3 combinations, iodide, a T4/iodide combination and methimazole (thiamazole).
Merck KGaA is constantly improving the quality of its thyroid products by own research activities and also supports thyroid researchers worldwide:
- Exploring new concepts of pharmacokinetic studies
- Developing a rapid urinary iodine test
- Organizing large epidemiological investigations
- Conducting and supporting clinical trials
- Granting thyroid research monies
- Sponsoring scientific meetings and associations
Merck KGaA is also deeply involved in the development of patient information programs and physician postgraduate services.
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