GLOBAL SPEAK UP AT MSDETHICS.COM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

NAVEX, on behalf of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA provides a comprehensive and confidential global reporting tool to assist anyone who wishes to raise a concern, internally or externally to our Company. Access to our Global Speak Up Tool is via https://www.msdethics.com. All concerns raised either online or via the phone will be triaged by the Global Office of Ethics. The Office of Ethics actively supports our Company’s commitment to the highest standards of ethics and compliance by facilitating behavior consistent with Our Values & Standards, our Code of Conduct, and by fostering a culture that promotes the prevention, detection and resolution of potential misconduct.

Why do we need a Global Reporting Tool?

We believe that our employees are our most important asset. By creating open channels of communication, we can promote a positive work environment and maximize productivity. An effective reporting system will augment our other efforts to foster a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making bolstering our company’s Values & Standards. Publicly traded companies are required by law to have an anonymous reporting vehicle to address accounting and auditing fraud directly to the audit committee.

REPORTING – GENERAL

May I report using either the Internet or the telephone?

Yes. By accessing https://www.msdethics.com you have the ability to file a report via either online or over the phone.

What type of situations should I report?

Our Global Speak Up Tool is designed for anyone to report a concern or ask a question directly to the Global Office of Ethics.

If I see an issue, shouldn't I just report it to my manager, security or HR and let them deal with it?

When you observe some behaviour you believe goes against our code of conduct, we expect you to report it. Ideally, you should bring any concerns forward to your manager or local HR. We recognize, however, that there may be circumstances when you are not comfortable reporting the issue in this manner. It is for such circumstances we have partnered with NAVEX. We would rather you report anonymously (where permitted by local laws) than keep the information to yourself.

Why should I report what I know? What’s in it for me?

We all have the right to work in a positive environment. With that right comes the responsibility of acting in an ethical manner and letting the appropriate people know if someone is not acting appropriately. By working together, we can maintain a healthy and productive environment. Corporate misconduct can threaten the livelihood of an entire company.

Does management really want me to report?

We certainly do. In fact, we need you to report. You know what is going on in our company - both good and bad. You may have initial knowledge of an activity that may be cause for concern. Your reporting can minimize the potential negative impact on the company and our people. Also, offering positive input may help identify issues that can improve corporate culture and performance.

Where do these reports go? Who can access them?

Reports are entered directly to a NAVEX secure server to prevent any possible breach in security. NAVEX makes these reports available only to the Office of Ethics who is charged with evaluating the report, based on the type of concern and triaging the case accordingly to the appropriate case manager. Each of these report recipients has had training in keeping these reports in the utmost confidence.

Isn’t this system just an example of someone watching over me?

Our Global Speak Up Tool concentrates on being a positive aspect of our overall philosophy, and allows us to ensure a safe, secure, and ethical workplace. You are encouraged to seek guidance on ethical dilemmas, provide positive suggestions, or communicate a concern. Effective communication is critical in today’s workplace and this is a great tool to enhance that communication. We have carefully chosen a reporting tool to meet our compliance obligations while maintaining a positive reporting environment.

REPORTING SECURITY & CONFIDENTIALITY

Can I file a report from home and still remain anonymous (if permitted by local laws)?

An Internet portal never identifies a visitor by screen name and the NAVEX system strips away identifying information, such as an IP address, so that anonymity is maintained. NAVEX is contractually committed not to pursue a reporter’s identity.

Is the telephone toll-free service confidential and anonymous too?

Yes – so long as anonymous reporting is permitted by local laws. You will be asked to provide the same information you would provide in an Internet-based report; the interviewer will type your responses directly into NAVEX’s secure environment. Phone based reports have the same security and confidentiality measures applied to them during delivery as Internet-based reports.

What if I want to be identified with my report?

There is a section in the report where you may identify yourself, if you wish and provide your preferred contact details.

TIPS & BEST PRACTICES

I am aware of some individuals involved in something but it doesn't affect me. Why bother reporting it?

Our company chooses to promote ethical behavior. All unethical conduct, at any level, ultimately hurts the company and all employees, including you. If you know of any incidents of misconduct or ethical violations, consider it your duty to yourself and your coworkers to report it.

I am not sure if what I have observed or heard is a violation of company policy or involves unethical conduct, but it just does not look right to me. What should I do?

File a report. We would rather you report a situation that turns out to be harmless than let possibly unethical behavior go unchecked because you were unsure.

What if my boss or other managers are involved in a violation? Won’t they get the report and start a cover-up?

The NAVEX system and report distribution protocols through the Office of Ethics are designed so implicated parties are not notified about or granted access to reports in which they have been named.

What if I remember something important about the incident after I file the report?

When you file a report, either using the Internet or phone, you will receive a unique report key (reference number) and you will be asked to select a password. With the report key and your password, you can return to the system at any time, either by Internet or phone, and access the original report. At that point, you can add more details.

What if you have questions for me concerning my report?

When you receive your report key, you will be provided with the amount of time we expect for the report to be processed. When that time has passed, we strongly suggest you check to see if any questions have been posted. Providing the opportunity for such dialogue means situations may not only be identified but can also be resolved, no matter how complex.

Are these follow-ups on reports as secure as the first one?

All correspondences are held in the same strict confidence as the initial report, continuing under the umbrella of anonymity, if you so choose (and where permitted by local laws).

What should I do if the telephone number is not working?

If the telephone number listed above is not functioning, please make your report online at www.msdethics.com. Please indicate in the report that the telephone number did not work for your country.

What should I do if the country I am in is not listed above?

If there is no phone service for your location, please make your report online. Please indicate in the report that dialing instructions for the country you are located in were not available.

EthicsPoint is NOT a reporting tool for adverse events or product quality complaints, please refer to msd.com.