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) announces the European Commission's approval of KEYTRUDA for treating persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer in patients with PD-L1 expressing tumors (CPS ≥1). This decision follows the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-826 trial, which showed a 36% reduction in death risk and improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with the KEYTRUDA regimen compared to traditional chemotherapy. The objective response rate (ORR) was 68% for KEYTRUDA versus 50% for chemotherapy. This marks the first immunotherapy regimens approved for this cancer type in Europe.
Merck (MRK) reported strong first-quarter 2022 results with worldwide sales of $15.9 billion, a 50% increase from Q1 2021, driven by effective commercial execution and recovery from COVID-19. Key product sales include KEYTRUDA at $4.8 billion (+23%) and LAGEVRIO with $3.2 billion in sales. GAAP EPS rose to $1.70 from $1.08, while non-GAAP EPS jumped to $2.14. Merck raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $56.9 billion and $58.1 billion, reflecting a growth of 17% to 19%. The company continues to advance its research pipeline with multiple regulatory approvals.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's CHMP, recommending KEYTRUDA for adults with locally advanced, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) at high risk of recurrence. This recommendation stems from the pivotal KEYNOTE-522 trial, which demonstrated a 37% reduction in event risk with the KEYTRUDA regimen compared to chemotherapy-placebo. The European Commission will review this recommendation, with a decision expected in Q2 2022. If approved, this will be KEYTRUDA's second indication for TNBC in Europe.
Organon (NYSE: OGN) will release its Q1 2022 financial results on May 5, 2022, before an 8:30 a.m. EDT conference call. The call will be accessible via webcast on the company's website, with a replay available approximately two hours later. Analysts and investors must register in advance using conference ID# 6895016. Formed as a spin-off from Merck (NYSE: MRK), Organon focuses on women's health, boasting a diverse portfolio of over 60 medicines. The company aims to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators while maintaining strong cash flows for future growth.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced Joseph Romanelli will lead its Human Health International division, effective August 1, 2022. Reporting to CEO Robert M. Davis, Romanelli will oversee Merck's $22 billion international business and a team of 14,000 across 75 markets. He returns to Merck after serving as CEO of JiXing Pharmaceuticals, where he led the company's growth in China, Merck's second-largest market. Romanelli's extensive experience in strategic roles since joining Merck in 1996 positions him well to drive growth in the international sector.
Merck (MRK) announced that its investigational pneumococcal vaccine, V116, has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease in adults. This vaccine targets serotypes responsible for 85% of all cases in individuals aged 65 and over in the U.S. as of 2019. Phase 3 clinical trials are set to begin in 2022, following promising results from previous studies. The breakthrough designation aims to expedite development and review, suggesting significant potential for improved outcomes compared to existing vaccines.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) will hold its first-quarter 2022 sales and earnings conference call on April 28 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Executives will provide insights into the company's quarterly performance and future outlook. The event will be accessible to investors, journalists, and the public via a live audio webcast, with a replay and additional financial disclosures available later on their website.
Merck has a long-standing commitment to developing medicines and vaccines for serious diseases, emphasizing its role as a leading biopharmaceutical company.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced a significant expansion of its cardiopulmonary pipeline and portfolio, tripling its size through clinical trial advancements and business development deals in the past year. The company anticipates eight potential approvals in its cardiovascular portfolio by 2030, with initial launches expected between 2024 and 2028. The overall peak commercial revenue opportunity for this portfolio is projected to exceed $10 billion by the mid-2030s.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhance access to HPV vaccines by significantly investing in manufacturing. The company expanded its Elkton, VA facility by 120,000 square feet, creating 150 jobs, to meet the rising global demand for HPV vaccines. Merck aims to provide 91.5 million doses to Gavi-supported countries from 2021-2025. Having committed over $1 billion for capacity expansion, Merck expects its supply to double between 2020 and 2023 as new facilities come online.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced an extension of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date for their Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine, VAXNEUVANCE, to July 1, 2022. The FDA requested additional analyses of data from pediatric studies, which Merck has provided. The vaccine is aimed at infants and children aged 6 weeks to 17 years for preventing invasive pneumococcal disease. Previously, VAXNEUVANCE received Priority Review from the FDA, and the company remains confident in the strength of its pediatric data.