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.
Organon (NYSE: OGN) and Samsung Bioepis announced that the FDA has accepted the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for SB5, a citrate-free, high-concentration formulation of adalimumab, referencing HUMIRA®. The sBLA, submitted in October 2021, is based on clinical data comparing SB5's pharmacokinetics, safety, and immunogenicity between 100 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL formulations. SB5 is expected to launch in the U.S. on or after July 1, 2023, under a licensing agreement with AbbVie.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced that CEO Robert M. Davis and Dr. Dean Y. Li, President of Merck Research Laboratories, will participate in the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 10, 2022, at 5:15 p.m. ET. Investors and the public can view the live video webcast at their official investor relations website. Merck, a leader in biopharmaceuticals for over 125 years, focuses on developing medicines and vaccines for serious diseases. The company emphasizes its commitment to healthcare access and innovation.
Merck (MRK) and Eisai announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health has approved the combination of KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA for treating unresectable, advanced, or recurrent endometrial carcinoma after chemotherapy. This marks the first approval in Japan for this combination. The approval is based on the KEYNOTE-775/Study 309 trial, which showed a 38% reduction in the risk of death and a 44% decrease in disease progression risk compared to chemotherapy. This combination is already approved in the U.S. and Europe.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics have received Special Approval for Emergency from Japan's Ministry of Health for molnupiravir, the world's first oral COVID-19 antiviral medication. This approval allows for swift access to treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with the Japanese government purchasing 1.6 million courses of the drug. The approval is based on clinical data showing molnupiravir significantly reduces hospitalization and death rates among high-risk COVID-19 patients, making it a critical asset in combating the pandemic.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics have announced that the FDA granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for molnupiravir, an investigational oral antiviral for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk adults. This milestone marks a significant step in the fight against COVID-19. Molnupiravir must be administered within five days of symptom onset. The companies plan to produce and distribute millions of courses globally, with commitments to equitable access. Concerns exist regarding the drug's use in pregnant individuals due to potential risks.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics have announced a new deal with the U.K. Government to purchase an additional 1.75 million courses of molnupiravir (MK-4482), boosting total courses to 2.23 million. Molnupiravir, marketed in the U.K. as LAGEVRIO, has received conditional marketing authorization for treating mild to moderate COVID-19. Merck has secured supply agreements for molnupiravir with over 30 countries globally, with plans to produce 10 million courses by the end of 2021 and at least 20 million in 2022.
Organon (NYSE: OGN) announced that CEO Kevin Ali and CFO Matthew Walsh will engage in a fireside chat at the 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Virtual Conference on January 10, 2022, at 2:15 p.m. ET. The event will be accessible via a live audio webcast for investors, analysts, media, and the public. As a global healthcare company focusing on women's health, Organon offers over 60 products and aims to expand its biosimilars business while collaborating with biopharmaceutical innovators. For more details, visit here.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency's CHMP for KEYTRUDA, recommending its approval as an adjuvant treatment for adults with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at risk of recurrence post-nephrectomy. This decision is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial, which showed a 32% improvement in disease-free survival compared to placebo. The final decision by the European Commission is expected in Q1 2022. This advancement in treatment options aims to address a significant gap for RCC patients following nephrectomy.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced that the MOVe-OUT trial results for molnupiravir, an oral antiviral for COVID-19, were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Phase 3 trial showed a 50% reduction in hospitalization or death for high-risk, unvaccinated adults. The drug has gained authorization in the UK and is under review by the FDA and EMA. The study involved a diverse population across 20 countries and indicated molnupiravir's effectiveness against COVID-19 variants, including Omicron.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has received approval from the European Commission for VAXNEUVANCE™, a Pneumococcal 15-valent Conjugate Vaccine, which will be marketed in all 27 EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein. This vaccine targets invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals 18 and older. The approval is based on positive results from seven clinical studies involving 7,438 participants, showing that VAXNEUVANCE achieved immune responses superior to the previously available 13-valent vaccine.
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