• The Global Data Management Center ensures the integrity of oncology clinical trial data from patients participating in research sites around the world.

San José, Costa Rica—November 1, 2023. The global biopharmaceutical company MSD celebrated this morning the official opening of its Global Data Management Center, located in the city of San José, Costa Rica. This new Center represents a milestone in the expansion of the company’s operations, with an innovative approach to clinical data management for oncology studies worldwide. The Center’s objective is to manage clinical data for oncology studies, and it is equipped to develop rigorous databases that collect information from patients participating in clinical trials for different types of cancer. It primarily concerns laboratory tests, patient follow-up information, and other specialized test results. The Center’s reach is global, covering patients in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America. “The opening of the Global Data Management Center in Costa Rica marks a significant milestone in MSD’s mission to drive research and development in oncology on a global scale. This Center represents a breakthrough in the search for therapeutic solutions for cancer patients and highlights the value of the collaboration between MSD, the Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica, and PROCOMER in the promotion of the health industry in the country. During this period, we have expanded our capacity to review clinical data, and we currently manage ten clinical trials from the Center. Our team has also experienced significant growth, and we anticipate the addition of approximately 100 new employees by the third quarter of 2024,” explained Nelson Gomez, Director of MSD’s Global Data Management Center in Costa Rica. For his part, Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade, who attended the opening ceremony of the Center, highlighted the impact of this initiative for the country, “From here, MSD and the talent they have recruited manage follow-up data on cancer patients participating in clinical trials in different parts of the world, that is, there is a global reach with the potential to improve the health of many people and that fills us with pride and commitment to offer them the necessary conditions, maintain those high standards, so that they can fulfill their growth plan and continue developing such valuable databases, which can change the quality of life of many patients around the world.” The data managed in this center is used by MSD’s clinical and statistical teams to present evidence to regulatory agencies and medical communities to gain approval for new drugs. It also has the responsibility to verify the information and ensure the reliability of the data in terms of completeness of the results. As a result, Costa Rica’s Global Data Management Center plays an essential role in the approval process of new indications and drugs at the international level, expanding therapeutic options for patients around the world, and strengthening its position in the global medical community. The Center also interacts locally with external entities, including universities, to foster the development and attraction of talent and contribute to the growth of clinical research. “For 130 years, we have been inventing for life, with the faithful purpose of saving and improving lives. As a biopharmaceutical company with almost 60 years in the Central American and Caribbean region, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to the development of Costa Rica through private investment, talent training, and job creation. We faithfully believe that the country has what it takes for us to continue expanding as a company. That is why, in addition to this Global Data Operation Center, we have a Financial Service Center and a Pharmacovigilance Center that also provide services to MSD worldwide,” stated Elisaul Perdomo, MSD’s General Director for Central America and the Caribbean. Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER emphasized, “The opening of MSD’s Global Data Management Center is a clear example of Costa Rica’s commitment to foreign investment and innovation. This initiative reinforces our position as a strategic destination for investment, attracting leading companies that contribute to our economic development through the employment, linkages, and opportunities they provide to Costa Ricans.” This Global Data Management Center in Costa Rica is one of five other clinical data management centers that MSD has developed in different parts of the world, highlighting its commitment to innovation and improvement of healthcare globally. About MSD At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are united around one purpose: We use the power of cutting-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We strive to be the world’s leading research-intensive biopharmaceutical company, and we are currently at the forefront of research to provide innovative health solutions that drive the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.corporativo.msd.co.cr and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter.