Welcome to our dedicated page for Merck & Co. news (Ticker: MRK), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Merck & Co. stock.
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, is a renowned American multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey. Originally the American arm of Germany's Merck Group founded in 1668, Merck has established itself as a global leader in pharmaceuticals and vaccines.
Merck's core business is the development and manufacturing of medications and vaccines spanning several therapeutic areas such as cardiometabolic diseases, cancer, and infections. The company's immuno-oncology platform, particularly strong in cancer treatment, is a significant revenue driver. The firm’s oncology portfolio includes groundbreaking immunotherapies like KEYTRUDA, designed to treat melanoma and other cancers. KEYTRUDA, in combination with other therapies, has shown promising results in reducing cancer recurrence and improving survival rates.
Merck also boasts a robust vaccine business, offering vaccines for pediatric diseases and human papillomavirus (HPV). Their commitment to public health extends to Merck for Mothers, an initiative aimed at improving maternal health globally. In 2024, Merck surpassed its goal early by reaching over 30 million women with programs promoting safe, high-quality maternal care.
The company's animal health division is another sector of its diverse operations, providing solutions to improve animal health and productivity.
From a geographical perspective, nearly half of Merck's sales are generated in the United States. Financially, Merck maintains a solid position with ongoing investments in research and development to fuel innovation. The company is actively engaged in numerous partnerships and collaborative research initiatives to accelerate the development of new therapies.
Merck’s mission is rooted in scientific excellence and an unwavering commitment to improving lives. The company continues to invest in leading-edge research, with over 2,250 ongoing clinical trials, including more than 1,600 trials evaluating combination regimens. This dedication underpins Merck's strategy to address complex health challenges and advance global health.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced positive results from a Phase 3 trial of PREVYMIS (letermovir) for CMV prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients. The trial demonstrated that PREVYMIS is non-inferior to the standard treatment, valganciclovir, with a **10.4%** incidence of CMV disease compared to **11.8%** for valganciclovir. Additionally, PREVYMIS exhibited significantly lower rates of myelotoxicity (26% vs. 64%) in patients. Merck plans to submit a supplemental new drug application to the FDA by year-end based on these findings.
Merck Animal Health has launched the Animo® GPS, a new smart device designed for tracking dog activity and behavior. This GPS-enabled monitor alerts pet owners within 20 seconds if their dog leaves its 'Safe Zone,' with real-time location updates every five seconds in 'Lost Dog Mode.' The device tracks various behaviors such as sleep quality and barking via a mobile app. Animo GPS boasts a battery life of up to 12 weeks and is fully water-resistant. This innovation aims to enhance pet safety and health monitoring for dog owners.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute to license two preclinical antibacterial candidates, MK-7762 and MK-3854, aimed at treating tuberculosis (TB). The compounds, discovered through the TB Drug Accelerator initiative, show potent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Gates MRI will conduct further studies to assess their potential in affordable combination therapies that might shorten treatment durations, particularly for drug-resistant TB, which poses significant global health challenges.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has been recognized in Fortune's 2022 Change the World list for its commitment to enhancing global access to its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. This marks the third inclusion in five years, showcasing its positive social impact as part of its core business strategy. Key initiatives include a long-term partnership with UNICEF to deliver 91.5 million vaccine doses and over $2 billion invested in vaccine supply. Merck aims to advance health equity and improve lives worldwide, aligning its actions with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced positive results from the pivotal Phase 3 STELLAR trial for sotatercept, aimed at treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The trial achieved its primary endpoint, showing a significant improvement in 6-minute walk distance at 24 weeks. Notably, eight out of nine secondary outcomes met statistical significance, including improvements in clinical worsening events. Sotatercept's safety profile aligns with earlier studies. The results underscore sotatercept's potential to redefine PAH treatment, with plans for urgent regulatory applications.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics released findings from the PANORAMIC study, showing that LAGEVRIO did not significantly reduce hospitalizations or deaths compared to usual care within 28 days. However, patients on LAGEVRIO experienced a 6-day shorter recovery time. The Clalit study indicated LAGEVRIO reduced hospitalizations and mortality in patients aged 65 and older, while showing no benefit for those aged 40-64. Additionally, a carcinogenicity study demonstrated no cancer risk associated with LAGEVRIO.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) received a favorable ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit regarding a patent challenge on sitagliptin, a key ingredient in JANUVIA, JANUMET, and JANUMET XR. This ruling affirms the validity of U.S. Patent No. 7,326,708, ensuring patent protection until May 2027, including pediatric exclusivity. The company has settled with multiple generics, allowing market entry for sitagliptin products in May 2026 and extended-release versions by July 2026.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) is set to hold its third-quarter 2022 sales and earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 27. During this conference, executives will discuss the company's performance for the quarter and provide future outlook. A live audio webcast will be available, and a replay along with detailed financial disclosures will be accessible on the company's website.
Merck aims to leverage innovative health solutions to advance disease prevention and treatment globally, while maintaining a commitment to a diverse workforce and sustainable practices.
Merck Animal Health, a part of Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK), has made a minority investment in LeeO Precision Farming B.V. and will distribute its digital swine traceability solution in selected markets. This cloud-based platform allows for real-time tracking of swine throughout their lifecycle, covering key life events from birth to transportation. The investment aims to enhance animal health solutions and traceability technology, fostering collaboration for better livestock management. LeeO's CEO expressed optimism about growth opportunities stemming from this partnership.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that KEYTRUDA received four new approvals from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, increasing its total to 23 approved uses across 13 cancer types. The new indications include:
- Neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.
- Adjuvant treatment for renal cell carcinoma post-nephrectomy.
- Treatment for advanced cervical cancer.
- Adjuvant treatment for stage IIB and IIC melanoma.
These approvals aim to address rising cancer mortality rates in Japan, particularly for breast cancer.
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