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) announced the voluntary withdrawal of the U.S. indication for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) in treating metastatic small cell lung cancer (SCLC) post-chemotherapy. This decision, made in consultation with the FDA, is part of a broader industry review of accelerated approvals. The withdrawal does not impact other KEYTRUDA indications. The accelerated approval, granted in June 2019, was based on tumor response data, but the confirmatory trial did not show statistical significance in overall survival. Merck is notifying healthcare providers and suggests patients discuss treatment options.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has accepted its New Drug Application (NDA) for gefapixant, a selective P2X3 receptor antagonist, aimed at treating refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC) in adults. The FDA has set a target action date of December 21, 2021. This application is based on results from the COUGH-1 and COUGH-2 clinical trials, which include over 2,000 patients. If approved, gefapixant would become the first medication specifically indicated for these conditions, addressing a significant unmet medical need.
Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK), has completed the acquisition of Poultry Sense Ltd., an innovator in poultry health monitoring solutions. This acquisition aims to enhance Merck's technology portfolio to improve animal well-being and productivity in the poultry industry. Poultry Sense's technology allows real-time tracking of health indicators through wireless sensors, facilitating earlier illness detection and better farm management. Specific financial terms were not disclosed. This move aligns with Merck's strategy to expand its digital capabilities in animal health.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced its agreement to acquire Pandion Therapeutics (Nasdaq: PAND) for $60 per share, totaling approximately $1.85 billion. The acquisition aims to enhance Merck's portfolio in autoimmune disease therapeutics, leveraging Pandion's TALON technology and its lead candidate, PT101. PT101 has completed a Phase 1a clinical trial focusing on safety and tolerability, showing promise in treating autoimmune diseases. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2021, pending regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Frank Clyburn, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, will participate in the Cowen 41st Annual Health Care Conference on March 3, 2021, at 1:20 p.m. EST. A live video webcast of the presentation will be available to investors, analysts, media, and the public. For over 130 years, Merck has been committed to advancing healthcare through innovative medicines and vaccines. The company focuses on addressing various diseases and improving population health through partnerships and policies.
AstraZeneca and Merck (MRK) announced that their Phase 3 OlympiA trial for LYNPARZA will proceed to early primary analysis following an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) recommendation. The trial crossed the superiority boundary for the invasive disease-free survival (iDFS) endpoint versus placebo in patients with germline BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative breast cancer. Approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, with 5% having BRCA mutations. The trial aims to assess further secondary endpoints of overall survival and distant disease-free survival.
Merck (MRK) and Eisai presented new data from the Phase 3 CLEAR study for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at the 2021 ASCO GU. KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA showed significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to sunitinib, with PFS of 23.9 months and a 34% reduction in death risk. The objective response rate (ORR) reached 71%. LENVIMA plus everolimus also improved PFS but did not enhance OS compared to sunitinib. These results may shape future RCC treatment options.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) reported its financial results for Q4 and the full year 2020, achieving 5% growth in quarterly sales to $12.5 billion, and a 2% increase in annual sales to $48 billion. However, the company faced substantial challenges, including a $2.7 billion impairment charge related to an acquisition and a $1.6 billion intangible asset impairment for ZERBAXA. Non-GAAP EPS increased 14% in Q4 to $1.32, while GAAP EPS dropped to $(0.83). The impact of COVID-19 reduced revenue by approximately $2.5 billion for the year, primarily in human health.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced Kenneth C. Frazier will retire as CEO on June 30, 2021, transitioning to executive chairman. Robert M. Davis, currently CFO, will become CEO effective July 1, 2021, and president on April 1, 2021. The board expresses confidence in Davis’s ability to foster innovation and drive future growth. Frazier, who has led the company for over a decade, commended Davis's strategic leadership. Davis aims to maintain Merck's commitment to scientific innovation, particularly in developing essential medicines and vaccines amid the ongoing pandemic.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has appointed Dr. Stephen L. Mayo to its Board of Directors, effective March 15, 2021. Dr. Mayo, a professor at Caltech and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, will stand for election at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 25, 2021. His expertise in protein design is expected to enhance the board's scientific acumen, bringing valuable insights to the company's strategies. With Dr. Mayo's addition, the Merck board will consist of 14 members, bolstering its governance and decision-making capabilities.
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