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) has announced its decision to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval for KEYTRUDA in treating recurrent locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, following a failure to demonstrate an overall survival benefit in a Phase 3 study. This decision, made after consultation with the FDA, will be initiated in six months. KEYTRUDA remains approved for other indications, including first-line treatment with trastuzumab for HER2-positive gastric cancer and for certain solid tumors with specific genetic markers.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) will host its second-quarter 2021 sales and earnings conference call on July 29 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Company executives will provide an overview of performance for the quarter. A live audio webcast will be available on Merck's website, with a replay and financial disclosures to follow. Institutional investors and analysts can participate by dialing specific numbers and using the provided ID code. Merck has a longstanding commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative medicines and vaccines for serious diseases.
OneTen, a coalition of CEOs, has launched a new Talent platform aimed at hiring, upskilling, and promoting one million Black individuals without four-year degrees over the next decade. Collaborating with Bain & Company, IBM, and Merck, the platform facilitates career paths and skill development. The platform will be available to member employers in Q4 2021, enhancing accessibility to job opportunities. By employing a skills-first approach, OneTen aims to combat bias in hiring, providing equitable access to careers for Black talent while leveraging advanced AI and blockchain technologies.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the European Commission has approved KEYTRUDA for first-line treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic esophageal carcinoma or HER2-negative gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The approval follows the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 trial, showing significant improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). KEYTRUDA combined with chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 27% and disease progression by 35%. The combination therapy received marketing approval across all EU member states and other countries, marking a significant advancement in treatment options.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has appointed Michael Klobuchar as executive vice president and chief strategy officer, effective July 5, 2021. This new role aims to enhance the execution of Merck’s strategic initiatives. Klobuchar, who brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Merck, expressed enthusiasm for leveraging the company's scientific capabilities. President Rob Davis highlighted Klobuchar's insights and commitment to innovation as critical for the company’s evolution and longstanding legacy in health solutions.
AstraZeneca and Merck announced that LYNPARZA received conditional approval in China for treating adult patients with BRCA-mutated metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) who have progressed after new hormonal therapies. The approval is based on Phase 3 PROfound trial results, demonstrating a 78% reduction in disease progression and a 37% decrease in mortality risk with LYNPARZA compared to abiraterone or enzalutamide. The drug improves radiographic progression-free survival to 9.8 months versus 3.0 months. Approval continues pending further verification through ongoing trials.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that its Phase 3 KEYNOTE-826 trial for KEYTRUDA in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy has met primary endpoints in treating persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer. This regimen showed significant improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard treatments, marking a key advancement in first-line immunotherapy for cervical cancer. Results will be presented at a medical meeting and submitted for regulatory review. KEYTRUDA's safety was consistent with prior studies.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has secured a procurement agreement with the U.S. government for approximately 1.7 million courses of its investigational oral antiviral drug, Molnupiravir, pending Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA. The deal amounts to $1.2 billion, with Merck expecting to have over 10 million courses available by the end of 2021. Molnupiravir is currently in a Phase 3 clinical trial for treating non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Merck also plans to submit applications for authorization in other countries and has partnered with generic manufacturers to enhance global access.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Dr. Dean Li, executive vice president and president of Merck Research Laboratories, will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Guggenheim Biopharma Strategy Series on June 22, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The discussion will focus on global strategy and innovation in the biopharma sector. Investors, analysts, and the public can access the live audio webcast via Merck's investor relations site at this link.
Merck has a rich history of 130 years, dedicated to innovating medicines and vaccines.
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