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, generates frequent news across human health, animal health and corporate finance. As a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company with more than a century of history developing medicines and vaccines, Merck regularly announces clinical trial milestones, regulatory decisions, business development transactions and capital markets activity.
Recent news highlights include oncology updates from Merck’s extensive KEYTRUDA program, such as positive Phase 3 data in muscle-invasive bladder cancer and new trials in non-small cell lung cancer using combinations like calderasib (MK-1084) with KEYTRUDA QLEX. The company also reports on progress in other therapeutic areas, including pulmonary arterial hypertension with WINREVAIR, Alzheimer’s disease candidates MK-2214 and MK-1167, and cardiovascular research with the oral PCSK9 inhibitor candidate enlicitide.
Investors following MRK news will also see announcements related to Merck Animal Health, such as the conditional U.S. FDA approval of EXZOLT CATTLE-CA1 for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm larvae and the treatment and control of cattle fever tick, as well as updates on acquisitions like the planned merger with Cidara Therapeutics to add the influenza candidate CD388 to Merck’s respiratory portfolio.
Corporate and financial communications include quarterly earnings calls, participation in major healthcare conferences and disclosures about note offerings under the company’s shelf registration statement. This news page aggregates these developments so readers can review clinical, regulatory, strategic and financial updates related to Merck & Co., Inc. and its MRK stock in one place.
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.
The European Commission has approved Merck's KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy for adults with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This decision, based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-522 trial, demonstrated a 37% reduction in the risk of event-free survival (EFS) events compared to chemotherapy alone. The approval represents the first immunotherapy option for this patient group in the EU and the fifth indication for KEYTRUDA in breast or gynecologic cancer in less than a year. The treatment is now available across all 27 EU member states.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommending the approval of KEYTRUDA as an adjuvant treatment for stage IIB and IIC melanoma in patients aged 12 and older following complete resection. This follows successful results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial, which showed significant improvements in recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival compared to placebo. A final decision by the European Commission is anticipated in Q2 or Q3 of 2022.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the presentation of data from six approved medicines and pipeline candidates targeting over 25 cancers at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago from June 3-7. Highlights include findings from KEYTRUDA, WELIREG, LYNPARZA, and LENVIMA, alongside investigational therapies like favezelimab and MK-0482. Key data emphasize advancements in treatment for cancers such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. An Oncology Investor Event will occur on June 7, providing insights into Merck's oncology strategy.
Organon reported first quarter 2022 revenue of $1,567 million, a 4% increase from the previous year. Net income from continuing operations was $348 million or $1.36 per diluted share, reflecting a 12% decline year-over-year. The company’s adjusted net income was $420 million or $1.65 per diluted share, down 7%. Organon continues to grow its women's health offerings and affirmed its full-year financial guidance. A quarterly dividend of $0.28 was declared, payable on June 16, 2022.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Caroline Litchfield will take part in a fireside chat at the Bank of America Securities 2022 Healthcare Conference. This event is set for May 11 at 11:40 a.m. ET, and interested parties can listen live through the provided link.
With over 130 years of experience, Merck is committed to advancing health care through innovative medicines and vaccines. The company addresses serious diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, aiming to enhance global health access.
The European Commission has approved Merck's KEYTRUDA for treating microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) tumors in adults. This approval applies to various cancers, including colorectal, endometrial, gastric, small intestine, and biliary cancers, post previous therapies. KEYTRUDA's efficacy was supported by two Phase 2 trials, showing objective response rates of up to 56% across indications. This marks the second approval for KEYTRUDA related to MSI-H/dMMR biomarkers in Europe, expanding treatment options for patients facing advanced cancer.