Merck & Co - MRK STOCK NEWS

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.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced the establishment of the Kenneth C. Frazier Award for Maternal Health Equity, which will be granted annually to honor organizations dedicated to improving maternal health care quality. This initiative, part of Merck for Mothers, aligns with Merck’s mission to combat systemic health access barriers. Named after the CEO, the award aims to spotlight impactful organizations, with nominations due by July 30, 2021, and grants of up to $250,000 available. Merck for Mothers, a $500 million initiative, aims to enhance health equity globally.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has signed a procurement agreement with the U.S. government for molnupiravir (MK-4482), an investigational COVID-19 therapy currently in Phase 3 trials. If authorized, Merck will provide approximately 1.7 million treatment courses for around $1.2 billion. The company aims to have over 10 million courses available by the end of 2021. Merck is also pursuing global availability through tiered pricing and licensing agreements in 104 low- and middle-income countries. The ongoing MOVe-OUT study may lead to an Emergency Use Authorization later in 2021.