Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share for Q2 2022. This dividend will be paid on April 7, 2022 to shareholders recorded by March 15, 2022. The company continues to focus on developing medicines and vaccines for critical health challenges, affirming its commitment to global health. Merck remains dedicated to enhancing access to healthcare and pursuing a leadership role in biopharmaceutical research. For further details about the company, visit www.merck.com.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for its New Drug Application of gefapixant, a selective P2X3 receptor antagonist intended for treating refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC). The CRL requests further data on efficacy measurement but does not raise safety concerns. Merck is committed to addressing FDA feedback and will consult with the agency on the next steps. Meanwhile, gefapixant has been approved in Japan under the brand name LYFNUA for similar conditions.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced the publication of Phase 3 KEYNOTE-775/Study 309 trial results in the New England Journal of Medicine. This pivotal study evaluated the combination of KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA against chemotherapy for patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma post-platinum regimen. Key findings indicate significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival. Following these results, KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA is approved in the U.S. and Europe for specific patients, addressing a critical need in treating endometrial carcinoma.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Frank Clyburn, executive vice president and president of Human Health, will leave the company on Feb. 1, 2022, for a leadership opportunity elsewhere. Clyburn has contributed significantly over 14 years, enhancing Merck’s oncology leadership and driving sustainable growth. His departure raises questions about future leadership for Human Health, with announcements pending. CEO Robert M. Davis expressed gratitude for Clyburn's strategic and operational excellence, underscoring the importance of strong leadership for ongoing business momentum.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the final results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-394 trial at ASCO GI 2022, investigating KEYTRUDA plus best supportive care (BSC) for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with sorafenib. The trial demonstrated a 21% reduction in the risk of death, with a median overall survival (OS) of 14.6 months for KEYTRUDA compared to 13.0 months for placebo. Key findings showed a 26% reduction in disease progression risk and an overall response rate (ORR) of 12.7%. However, treatment-related adverse events were higher in the KEYTRUDA group.

Merck Animal Health, part of Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK), announced findings from its latest Veterinary Wellbeing Study, conducted with the AVMA. The survey, the third since 2017 and the first post-COVID-19, highlights increased mental health challenges among U.S. veterinarians and staff. Key findings include that 92% reported increased stress, with 88% citing student debt as a significant concern. Merck pledged $100,000 to support AVMA's mental health initiatives. The pandemic exacerbated staffing shortages, with serious psychological distress rising to 9.7% among veterinarians and 18.1% among support staff.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced a significant partnership with UNICEF to supply up to 3 million courses of molnupiravir, its investigational COVID-19 antiviral, to low- and middle-income countries in the first half of 2022. This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to the treatment after regulatory approvals. The drug has been authorized in various countries, including the US, UK, and Japan. Merck has committed to manufacturing millions of doses and granting licenses to generic manufacturers to enhance affordability and availability in developing regions.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced positive results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-091 trial, showing that its anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA, significantly improves disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) post-surgery. The study met one of its dual primary endpoints, although the endpoint related to high PD-L1 expressers did not achieve statistical significance. The findings support KEYTRUDA’s potential in early-stage NSCLC treatment. Results are set for presentation at a medical meeting and regulatory submission.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) will hold its fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 sales and earnings conference call on February 3 at 8:00 a.m. EST. Company executives will outline Merck's performance and future outlook. Investors can access the live audio webcast on Merck’s website, where a replay will also be available. Merck has been committed to pioneering healthcare solutions for over 125 years, focusing on a wide range of diseases. The release includes forward-looking statements regarding potential industry challenges and regulatory impacts that could affect future performance.