Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Google Cloud announced an AI-focused partnership on April 22, 2026. The investment, valued at up to $1 billion, will see Merck integrate various Google Cloud technologies across various areas of their business operations.

According to a company press release, Google Cloud’s AI technology will be integrated into R&D, manufacturing, commercial, and corporate functions. Gemini Enterprise will be implemented into R&D workflows, and AI technology will also be used to optimize manufacturing via predictive analytics and intelligent automation and promote patient engagement via data-driven personalization, according to the release.

“Merck’s collaboration with Google Cloud represents the next phase of our AI journey, extending our longstanding use of advanced technologies into an intelligent agentic ecosystem that will work alongside our teams as we enter one of the most significant launch periods in our company’s history,” said Dave Williams, Chief Information and Digital Officer, Merck, in the release. “AI agents and generative tools will help our teams around the world reimagine processes at scale and bring scientific breakthroughs to patients faster.”

“Our partnership with Merck represents a fundamental shift in how technology supports the entire pharma value chain,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud, in the release. “By deploying an industry-first agentic ecosystem powered by Gemini Enterprise, Merck is not just optimizing business processes; it is building a future where the speed of AI and the expertise of human ingenuity come together to bring drugs to patients faster and solve problems that were previously out of reach.”