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.
The Merck Foundation has launched the Alliance for Equity in Cancer Care, a $20 million, five-year initiative aimed at improving cancer care for underserved communities in the United States. The program addresses disparities in cancer access and treatment, providing grants to non-profit organizations to implement innovative programs. Nearly 40% of Americans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, with minority and low-income groups disproportionately affected. The Foundation aims to improve coordination of care and patient engagement, enhancing overall health outcomes.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that CEO Robert M. Davis and Dr. Dean Li will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley 20th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on September 12, 2022, at 2:15 p.m. EDT. The session invites investors, analysts, and the public to listen via a live audio webcast. Merck, known as MSD internationally, focuses on leading-edge science to improve global health and has been a key player in pharmaceuticals for over 130 years.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced extensive research on cancer treatments to be presented at the ESMO Congress 2022 in Paris from September 9-13. Key highlights include:
- Long-term survival data for KEYTRUDA® in advanced lung cancer.
- Seven-year overall survival results for LYNPARZA® in ovarian cancer.
- First-time data combining KEYTRUDA with enfortumab vedotin for advanced urothelial cancer.
Dr. Eliav Barr emphasized the importance of these findings in enhancing treatment options across various cancer types.
Merck and AstraZeneca announced the approval of LYNPARZA by Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency for treating patients with high-risk, HER2-negative breast cancer with BRCA mutations.
This drug, a PARP inhibitor, shows a 42% reduced risk of invasive disease recurrence and a 32% lower risk of death, based on the OlympiA trial. Approximately 10% of patients experienced treatment discontinuation due to adverse reactions. The approval marks an important treatment advance for breast cancer patients in Japan.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation for its investigational anticoagulant therapy, MK-2060, aimed at reducing major thrombotic cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This designation allows more frequent FDA interactions and potential eligibility for Accelerated Approval. MK-2060 is a monoclonal antibody targeting Factor XI and is currently in a Phase 2 study for patients on hemodialysis. Merck emphasizes the urgent need for effective anticoagulation medicines for ESRD patients.
AstraZeneca and Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has accepted their supplemental New Drug Application for LYNPARZA in combination with abiraterone and prednisone for treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The FDA granted priority review status, with a decision expected in Q4 2022. In the PROpel trial, the combination showed a 34% reduction in disease progression risk, with median radiographic progression-free survival of 24.8 months compared to 16.6 months for placebo. Merck aims to address significant unmet needs in mCRPC treatment.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Orna Therapeutics have entered a strategic collaboration to develop vaccines and therapeutics targeting infectious diseases and oncology. Merck will pay Orna $150 million upfront and an additional $3.5 billion in potential milestones, plus royalties on approved products. Merck will also invest $100 million in Orna's Series B financing. Orna retains rights to its innovative oRNA technology platform, which has shown stability and effectiveness in therapeutic applications, promising advancements in RNA-based treatments.
The European Commission has approved LYNPARZA as the first PARP inhibitor for adjuvant treatment in adults with germline BRCA mutations and HER2-negative early breast cancer, based on the Phase 3 OlympiA trial results. LYNPARZA showed a 42% reduction in the risk of invasive disease recurrence and a 32% reduction in mortality compared to placebo. AstraZeneca will receive a $75 million payment from Merck due to this approval. This milestone indicates a shift in treatment options for high-risk patients, aiming to decrease recurrence rates.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced that the Phase 3 LEAP-002 trial of KEYTRUDA combined with LENVIMA did not meet its primary endpoints for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Although there were trends indicating potential benefits of the combination over LENVIMA monotherapy, results lacked statistical significance. The safety profile matched previous data. Merck and Eisai will showcase findings at a medical conference while continuing research on this combination across various cancers.
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