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.
Organon (NYSE: OGN) highlights the disparities in women’s health exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, urging global leaders to prioritize women’s health. On March 8, International Women’s Day, Organon will give its employees paid time off to focus on their health. The firm stresses that women often neglect their health needs, with 78% prioritizing family over personal healthcare. CEO Kevin Ali emphasizes the importance of women's health for a resilient society. Organon aims to improve awareness and invites others to join in supporting women's health initiatives.
Organon (NYSE: OGN) will announce its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results on February 17, 2022, prior to a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EST. Investors can access the live call via webcast on the Organon website, with a replay available shortly after. Institutional investors must register in advance using conference ID# 2682555 to participate. Organon, a spin-off from Merck (NYSE: MRK), focuses on women's health, offering over 60 products and aiming to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators in growing markets.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced positive data from six preclinical studies showing that molnupiravir, an experimental oral antiviral drug, effectively targets the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. These findings bolster confidence in molnupiravir as a treatment for high-risk adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. The drug has been authorized for use in over 10 countries, including the U.S. and U.K. Merck is committed to ensuring global access to molnupiravir, having produced millions of treatment doses and entered into numerous supply agreements.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the European Commission's approval of KEYTRUDA as monotherapy for adults with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at high risk of recurrence after nephrectomy. The approval is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial, which showed a 32% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death. KEYTRUDA is the first immunotherapy approved in Europe for this adjuvant setting. Additionally, updated data at 29.7 months showed a 37% reduction in recurrence risk. This treatment is now available across all EU member states and select territories.
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.