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) 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.
Merck Animal Health has announced its acquisition of Vence, a leader in virtual fencing technology aimed at enhancing rotational grazing and livestock management. This initiative is set to expand Merck's portfolio of animal intelligence solutions, potentially increasing operational efficiencies for cattle producers. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2022, reinforcing Merck's commitment to advancing animal health and well-being.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and AstraZeneca announced that LYNPARZA has received approval in China as first-line maintenance treatment for patients with advanced ovarian cancer exhibiting homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-positive status. The approval is based on the favorable outcomes of the Phase 3 PAOLA-1 trial showing significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefits. In China, ovarian cancer has a survival rate of ~39% among patients with advanced stages. This new treatment option is expected to enhance clinical outcomes for HRD-positive patients.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) achieved a significant legal victory as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia ruled in its favor in a patent infringement lawsuit against Viatris concerning sitagliptin, an active ingredient in JANUVIA and JANUMET. The court upheld the validity of two Merck patents, with expiration dates set for 2026 and 2029. Viatris aims to launch generic versions but faces challenges following this ruling. Merck has already settled agreements allowing generics to enter the market by May 2026. This decision is subject to appeal.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the resumption of a Phase 2 study on an investigational weekly oral combination treatment of islatravir and lenacapavir for HIV-1, using a lower dose of islatravir. Merck will discontinue its monthly oral islatravir development for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but plans to initiate a new Phase 3 clinical program for once-daily islatravir and doravirine. The FDA has approved this new approach, highlighting Merck's commitment to HIV treatment.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has received a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency’s CHMP for its pneumococcal vaccine VAXNEUVANCE. The vaccine, which targets Streptococcus pneumoniae, is aimed at infants and children aged 6 weeks to under 18 years, complementing existing approvals for older populations. A final decision from the European Commission is anticipated by year-end 2023. Merck's commitment to combating pneumococcal disease continues, highlighting its focus on developing vaccines for various demographics against serious infections.
Seagen, Astellas, and Merck announced promising results from the phase 1b/2 EV-103 trial, showcasing a 64.5% confirmed objective response rate (ORR) in patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer treated with enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab. The primary endpoint was met with significant responses including 10.5% complete responses. The median overall survival (OS) was 22.3 months. The trial highlights the potential of this combination therapy for patients ineligible for cisplatin chemotherapy. Discussions with regulatory authorities are planned.
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