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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.
Astellas, Seagen, and Merck announced significant findings from the phase 1b/2 EV-103 trial, highlighting a 64.5% confirmed objective response rate in unresectable advanced urothelial cancer patients treated with enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab. This combination demonstrated promising efficacy as a first-line treatment, with 10.5% achieving complete response. Additionally, median overall survival reached 22.3 months for the combination group. Adverse events mainly included skin reactions and neuropathy. The companies plan to discuss results with regulatory authorities and pursue further studies.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced promising five-year survival data for KEYTRUDA in treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In KEYNOTE-189, KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy achieved a five-year overall survival (OS) rate of 19.4%, significantly higher than 11.3% for chemotherapy alone. KEYNOTE-407 reported a five-year OS rate of 18.4% for KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy versus 9.7% for chemotherapy alone. These results affirm KEYTRUDA's role as a first-line treatment, demonstrating improved overall survival and durable responses, significantly altering the treatment landscape for NSCLC.
Merck (MRK) and Eisai presented findings from the Phase 3 LEAP-002 trial at the ESMO Congress 2022. The study evaluated the combination of KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA against LENVIMA alone for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). The final analysis showed a median overall survival (OS) of 21.2 months for the combination versus 19.0 months for monotherapy, but results did not reach statistical significance. The trial highlights the need for further research into this combination therapy.
AstraZeneca and Merck announced long-term results from the Phase 3 PAOLA-1 and SOLO-1 trials for LYNPARZA in advanced ovarian cancer. The PAOLA-1 trial showed that, in HRD-positive patients, overall survival was 65.5% for LYNPARZA plus bevacizumab versus 48.4% for bevacizumab alone. In the SOLO-1 trial, 67% of patients with BRCA mutations treated with LYNPARZA were alive at seven years compared to 47% on placebo. Both trials highlighted the importance of biomarker testing in treatment decisions. While the OS results were not statistically significant for the PAOLA-1 trial overall, HRD-positive subgroup showed a 38% reduced risk of death.
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.
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