NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Merck Manuals, the widely used health guides provided by drugmaker Merck & Co, are moving to a digital-only format in 10 different languages as part of an effort to educate the global community on medical issues.

The new version of Merck Manuals debuted in the U.S. in April, offering free online access to both professional and consumer audiences. The professional manuals have been distributed in print since 1899 and most recently carried a price tag of nearly $80.

New websites will launch in other English-speaking countries in July, while sites translated into nine other languages are expected in the next 12 to 18 months. An English-language mobile app is set to launch by at least early 2016, with translated apps to follow, the company said.

Outside of the U.S. and Canada, the sites and apps will be known as MSD Manuals.

By offering both professional and consumer-oriented content free of charge, users can find what they are looking for in as much detail as they need, said Merck Manuals editor-in-chief Robert Porter. The information is compiled by hundreds of medical experts across the world.