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 that the FDA has accepted and granted priority review for a new sBLA for KEYTRUDA, used with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of locally advanced unresectable or metastatic esophageal and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma. This decision is based on pivotal Phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 trial data, which showed significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy alone. The PDUFA target action date is April 13, 2021. Currently, KEYTRUDA is approved for second-line treatment in the U.S., China, and Japan.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced that their Phase 3 trial of KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) combined with LENVIMA® (lenvatinib) for advanced endometrial cancer met its primary endpoints: overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and objective response rate (ORR). The trial showed significant survival advantages over chemotherapy regimens in both the mismatch repair proficient and intention-to-treat populations. The companies plan to present results at medical meetings and submit applications for marketing authorization based on the findings.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued a positive opinion for KEYTRUDA, recommending its approval as a first-line treatment for adult patients with metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer. This recommendation is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-177 trial, which showed a significant improvement in progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy regimens. A final decision by the European Commission is anticipated in Q1 2021.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Robert M. Davis, CFO and Executive VP, will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Evercore ISI 3rd Annual HealthCONx Conference on December 2, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. EST. Investors, analysts, and the public can listen to the live audio webcast via Merck's official site.
Merck has been dedicated to discovering medicines and vaccines for over 125 years, focusing on critical diseases including cancer and infectious diseases.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has submitted applications for its investigational 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, V114, to both the FDA and EMA, targeting adults 18 and older. The applications are based on Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical study results, addressing various adult populations, including those at increased risk. V114 aims to enhance protection against pneumococcal disease with serotypes not included in existing vaccines. Notably, it has previously received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for certain age groups.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire OncoImmune for $425 million in cash, with additional sales-based and regulatory milestone payments. The acquisition is bolstered by positive interim results from OncoImmune's Phase 3 trial for CD24Fc, a treatment for severe COVID-19, showing a 60% improvement in clinical status and over a 50% reduction in the risk of death. The deal is expected to close before the end of 2020, pending regulatory approvals. Merck will also invest $50 million in a new entity formed from OncoImmune's non-CD24Fc assets.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for Q1 2021. The payment date is set for January 8, 2021, with shareholders on record by December 15, 2020. This decision underscores Merck's commitment to returning income to shareholders while continuing its mission of advancing healthcare through innovative medicines and vaccines.
Merck has been a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry for over 125 years, focusing on significant health challenges including cancer and infectious diseases.
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.
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