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 partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund a Phase 3 study, IMPOWER 22, to explore a once-monthly oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-1 in high-risk women and adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa. Islatravir, Merck’s investigational antiviral, will be tested for its safety and efficacy. With women representing nearly 60% of new infections in this region, this initiative aims to provide a significant preventive option and advance HIV science globally.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced FDA approval for KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy for treating locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with PD-L1 expression (CPS ≥10). This decision is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-355 trial, demonstrating a 35% reduction in disease progression or death compared to chemotherapy alone. KEYTRUDA’s introduction offers a new option for TNBC patients, which affects 15-20% of breast cancer cases. However, this approval is under accelerated conditions pending further clinical evidence.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced significant results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-581/CLEAR trial, demonstrating that KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) combined with LENVIMA® (lenvatinib) provides superior progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) compared to sunitinib in first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The study also showed LENVIMA plus everolimus met PFS and ORR endpoints versus sunitinib. Both combinations exhibited safety profiles consistent with prior studies, with plans for regulatory submissions based on these findings.
Pappas Capital announced the acquisition of its portfolio company VelosBio Inc. by Merck (NYSE: MRK) for $2.75 billion in cash. VelosBio, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm, develops innovative cancer therapies targeting ROR1. Pappas Capital has invested in VelosBio since 2018, including a $137 million Series B financing in July 2020. The acquisition aims to advance VelosBio's investigational drug, VLS-101, currently in clinical trials for treating hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for both Pappas Capital and VelosBio.
AstraZeneca and Merck announced that LYNPARZA has been approved in the EU for treating adult patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and BRCA1/2 mutations. This approval is based on the PROfound trial, which demonstrated significant improvement in radiographic progression-free survival (9.8 months vs. 3.0 months) and overall survival (20.1 months vs. 14.4 months) compared to enzalutamide or abiraterone. The approval highlights the importance of BRCA testing in treatment decisions for advanced prostate cancer.
AstraZeneca and Merck announced EU approval for LYNPARZA combined with bevacizumab for maintenance treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients with HRD-positive status. This decision is based on the PAOLA-1 Phase 3 trial, showing a 67% reduction in disease progression risk when compared to bevacizumab alone, with median progression-free survival rising to 37.2 months. Despite serious adverse reactions reported, including fatigue and anemia, the approval underscores the importance of HRD testing in treatment selection. AstraZeneca will receive $25 million from Merck following this collaboration.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced its acquisition of VelosBio Inc. for $2.75 billion in cash, aiming to enhance its oncology portfolio. VelosBio specializes in first-in-class cancer therapies, focusing on VLS-101, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting ROR1. This acquisition aligns with Merck's strategy to expand its cancer treatment options, as VLS-101 shows promising clinical results in treating hematologic malignancies. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2020, pending regulatory approvals.
Merck (MRK) reported third-quarter 2020 sales of $12.6 billion, a 1% increase from the previous year. GAAP net income rose 55% to $2.9 billion, with GAAP EPS at $1.16. Non-GAAP net income increased 14% to $4.4 billion, and Non-GAAP EPS rose 16% to $1.74. Despite a COVID-19 impact estimated at $475 million on revenues, product demand remains strong. Keytruda sales surged 21% to $3.7 billion. The company announced advancements in its COVID-19 research programs and oncology pipeline, including multiple Phase 2/3 trials for Molnupiravir and achievements with Keytruda.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced today details of new clinical and epidemiological data set to be presented at IDWeek 2020, taking place from Oct. 21 to 25, 2020. Highlights include Phase 3 RESTORE-IMI 2 trial results for RECARBRIO™ in treating hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia and safety assessments of PIFELTRO™ and DELSTRIGO™ for HIV-1 patients aged 50 and older. Additionally, Merck will share insights from studies on antimicrobial resistance and vaccination strategies, emphasizing its commitment to advancing research against infectious diseases.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced results from two Phase 3 studies on V114, its 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. In the PNEU-PATH study, V114 produced comparable immune responses to PCV13 in healthy adults 50+, with higher responses for serotypes 22F and 33F. The PNEU-DAY study showed similar findings in immunocompetent adults 18-49 with risk factors. V114 was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with earlier studies. Plans for regulatory applications, starting with the FDA, are set for this year.
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