Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced an additional $150 million commitment to its Merck for Mothers initiative, aiming to enhance maternal health globally. This investment builds upon a previous $500 million commitment made in 2011, targeting to support programs that will reach 25 million women by 2025, up from 13.1 million to date. The funding is crucial as the COVID-19 pandemic has hindered maternal care, particularly in high-need regions like India, Nigeria, and Kenya. A minimum of $15 million will also support initiatives addressing maternal health disparities in the U.S.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced a pause in enrollment for the Phase 3 clinical studies IMPOWER 22 and IMPOWER 24, which evaluate the investigational drug islatravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV-1. This decision follows recommendations from an external data monitoring committee. However, participants already enrolled will continue receiving the study medication. Merck will enhance monitoring measures for participants during this period. The company remains committed to addressing unmet needs in HIV treatment and prevention.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has received FDA approval for KEYTRUDA as an adjuvant treatment for pediatric and adult patients with completely resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma. This decision is based on KEYTRUDA's performance in the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial, demonstrating a 35% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death compared to placebo. After 14.4 months, 11% of patients treated with KEYTRUDA experienced recurrence, compared to 17% for the placebo group. This approval expands treatment options for patients at high risk of recurrence following surgery.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has accepted for Priority Review its supplemental Biologics License Application for VAXNEUVANCE, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This vaccine aims to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease in children aged 6 weeks to 17 years. The priority review indicates significant potential for improved safety and effectiveness. The FDA set a target action date of April 1, 2022. Clinical studies suggest it will broaden coverage against critical pneumococcal strains, addressing a considerable disease burden in children.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics received a positive vote from the FDA's Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee, recommending Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for molnupiravir (MK-4482), an oral antiviral for treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in high-risk adults. The committee voted 13-10, asserting the benefits outweigh risks. Data from the MOVe-OUT study showed molnupiravir reduced hospitalization or death by approximately 50%. Merck is gearing up for production and aims for broad access to molnupiravir globally.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share for Q1 2022, with payment set for Jan. 7, 2022. Shareholders on record by Dec. 15, 2021 will receive the dividend. This move reflects Merck's commitment to returning value to shareholders while highlighting its ongoing initiatives in healthcare.

Merck's KEYTRUDA has been approved by Japan's PMDA as a first-line treatment for advanced esophageal cancer in combination with chemotherapy (5-FU and cisplatin). This marks KEYTRUDA's 16th indication in Japan. The approval is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 trial, which showed a 27% reduction in death risk and a 35% reduction in disease progression compared to standard chemotherapy. Esophageal cancer poses a significant health burden in Japan, with over 26,000 new cases annually. Merck continues to expand KEYTRUDA's applications in various gastrointestinal cancers.