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 FDA has approved an expanded indication for VAXNEUVANCE, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine by Merck (NYSE: MRK), for use in children aged 6 weeks to 17 years. Clinical trials showed VAXNEUVANCE elicited non-inferior immune responses to PCV13 for shared serotypes and superior responses for serotype 3 and unique serotypes 22F and 33F. This marks the first approval of a pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in nearly a decade, addressing serious health risks from invasive pneumococcal disease, particularly in children under 5.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and AstraZeneca announced promising results from the Phase 3 PROpel trial, published in NEJM Evidence, showcasing LYNPARZA combined with abiraterone plus prednisone significantly improved radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. The trial results indicated a 34% reduction in disease progression risk, with median rPFS at 24.8 months for the combination therapy, compared to 16.6 months for standard treatment. This data could lead to new first-line treatment options for mCRPC.
Merck (MRK) announced the appointment of Chirfi Guindo as the Chief Marketing Officer for Human Health, effective July 1, 2022. Guindo will oversee marketing strategies across various areas, including oncology and vaccines, reporting directly to CEO Robert M. Davis. Guindo brings extensive experience, having previously held senior roles at Biogen and within Merck itself, focusing on product strategy and commercialization. This leadership change is expected to enhance Merck's Human Health portfolio and address significant medical challenges globally.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced positive results from the Phase 1/2 study of V116, a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The study demonstrated V116's safety and immunogenicity in adults aged 18-49 and 50 and older, meeting primary immunogenicity objectives. In Phase 2, V116 showed non-inferior responses to PNEUMOVAX 23 for shared serotypes and superior responses for unique serotypes. V116 targets serotypes responsible for 85% of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults 65 and older. It received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has accepted for review a supplemental Biologics License Application for KEYTRUDA as an adjuvant treatment for stage IB (≥4 cm), II, or IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after surgical resection. This application is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-091 trial, which showed improved disease-free survival (DFS) for patients. The FDA’s target action date is January 29, 2023. If approved, KEYTRUDA would be the first adjuvant immunotherapy option for these NSCLC stages post-surgery, expanding Merck's oncology portfolio.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) will participate in the 2022 Goldman Sachs 43rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference on
Merck and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics report new data from the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial for LAGEVRIO (molnupiravir), an oral antiviral for high-risk COVID-19 patients. Key findings show a 32.1% reduction in acute care visits in LAGEVRIO patients versus placebo. The need for respiratory interventions was 34.3% lower in LAGEVRIO-treated participants. Those hospitalized after randomization had a median discharge time of 9 days vs. 12 days for placebo. LAGEVRIO has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing severe COVID-19 progression.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) is poised for significant growth in oncology, with over 80 potential drug approvals anticipated by 2028. During the ASCO Annual Meeting, the company presented nearly 120 abstracts covering more than 25 cancer types, showcasing its comprehensive oncology portfolio. Merck has achieved 12 FDA approvals in the past year, including five for early-stage cancers. The firm emphasizes its commitment to advancing cancer treatment through a diverse pipeline targeting various cancer mechanisms, including immuno-oncology and molecular therapies.
Merck announced positive results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial of KEYTRUDA, demonstrating a significant improvement in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) for patients with resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma. With a median follow-up of 27.4 months, KEYTRUDA showed a DMFS hazard ratio of 0.64 and a recurrence-free survival (RFS) hazard ratio of 0.64 as well. The drug received FDA approval for adjuvant treatment of this patient group and a positive opinion from the EU CHMP. Safety data indicated a consistent profile with previous studies, though higher rates of adverse events were noted.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share for Q3 2022. This dividend will be paid on July 8, 2022, to shareholders on record as of June 15, 2022. The company continues to focus on advancing health solutions through innovative research and development in the biopharmaceutical sector.
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