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 a new systematic literature review published in the Expert Review of Vaccines, detailing the global effectiveness of the GARDASIL vaccine. Covering 138 studies from 23 countries, the review highlights significant reductions in high-grade cervical lesions and HPV infections among vaccinated populations. Key findings include a 73% reduction in CIN3+ lesions in females aged 14-17 and a 96% decrease in vaccine-type HPV infections. The review underscores the necessity of expanding vaccination efforts to combat HPV-related cancers globally.
Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) has announced a ten-year strategic partnership with Merck (NYSE: MRK), building upon their existing 12-year collaboration. The agreement entails Merck adopting a Veeva-first approach for new software and data solutions, aimed at reducing operational costs and enhancing patient and healthcare professional experiences. Veeva will offer a strategic pricing model and seek Merck's input on product development. This partnership is designed to accelerate Merck's digital transformation and improve efficiency in utilizing Veeva’s integrated platform.
Merck (MRK) reported strong third-quarter 2022 results, with worldwide sales of $15.0 billion, a 14% increase year-over-year. Key drivers include KEYTRUDA sales rising 20% to $5.4 billion and GARDASIL growing 15% to $2.3 billion. Non-GAAP EPS for the quarter was $1.85, up 4% compared to last year. Despite positive momentum, GAAP EPS fell 29% to $1.28 due to increased costs related to collaborations and licensing agreements. The company raised its full-year sales outlook to between $58.5 billion and $59.0 billion, while lowering GAAP EPS expectations to $5.68-$5.73.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the retirement of Kenneth C. Frazier after 30 years, effective November 30, 2022. He served as CEO from 2011 to 2021 and as chairman since 2011. The board has elected Robert M. Davis, currently CEO and president, as the new chairman, effective December 1, 2022. Frazier's tenure is marked by significant investments in research and product launches that have advanced global health initiatives. Davis's leadership is anticipated to build upon Frazier's legacy of purpose-driven leadership and commitment to stakeholders.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the European Commission approved an expanded indication for VAXNEUVANCE, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This approval allows active immunization for infants, children, and adolescents against diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In total, VAXNEUVANCE is now available in all 27 EU Member States and three additional countries. Key studies involving approximately 8,400 participants demonstrated noninferior immune responses compared to existing vaccines. Merck aims to strengthen protection against pneumococcal disease in vulnerable populations.
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.
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