Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

AstraZeneca and Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced significant findings from the Phase 3 OlympiA trial for LYNPARZA, which showed a 42% reduction in the risk of invasive breast cancer recurrence in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations compared to placebo. The data, presented at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighted a 3-year iDFS rate of 85.9% for LYNPARZA versus 77.1% for placebo. Secondary results also indicated a 43% reduction in distant disease-free survival risk. The trial continues to assess overall survival.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has successfully completed the spinoff of Organon & Co., creating an independent publicly traded company. This strategic move aims to enhance each entity's operational focus and financial profiles. Merck anticipates achieving approximately $1.5 billion in operating efficiencies over three years, with an estimated $500 million realized in 2021. The spinoff involved a $9 billion distribution from Organon to Merck shareholders. Organon will now trade under the symbol 'OGN' on the New York Stock Exchange, while Merck retains 'MRK'.

Merck's first hexavalent vaccine, VAXELIS, is now available in the U.S. This combination vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease. VAXELIS is approved for a 3-dose series for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years.

It aims to reduce the number of shots required in early childhood vaccinations. The CDC includes it in the recommended immunization schedule, and it will be distributed via public and private channels. Safety information details contraindications and potential side effects.

Sanofi and Merck have announced that Vaxelis, the first hexavalent combination vaccine in the U.S., is now available. This vaccine protects against six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, and hepatitis B, administered in three doses to children aged 6 weeks to 4 years. The vaccine aims to reduce the number of shots children need, improving vaccination coverage. Vaxelis has been included in the CDC's immunization schedule and will be distributed through various channels. The collaboration reflects a commitment to enhancing pediatric health.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.65 per share for the third quarter of 2021. The payment will be made on July 7, 2021 to shareholders recorded by the end of business on June 15, 2021. This announcement underscores Merck's ongoing commitment to returning value to its shareholders while continuing its mission to innovate in healthcare.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the European Medicines Agency's CHMP has recommended approving KEYTRUDA for first-line treatment in adults with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal carcinoma and HER2-negative gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1. This positive opinion is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 trial, showing KEYTRUDA significantly improves overall and progression-free survival. A final decision from the European Commission is expected in Q2 2021, highlighting the urgent need for new treatment options in this patient population.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that its investigational 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, V114, achieved primary immunogenicity and safety endpoints in two Phase 3 trials. The PNEU-DIRECTION study showed comparable immune responses in infants previously vaccinated with the 13-valent PCV13, while the PNEU-PLAN study demonstrated V114's effectiveness in catch-up vaccinations for children aged 7 months to 17 years. V114 was well-tolerated, and the company plans to submit regulatory applications to the FDA by year-end.

On May 17, 2021, Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Vaccinate Your Family launched the Don't Skip campaign to promote well-visits and vaccinations, featuring actress Gabrielle Union-Wade. The campaign addresses a significant drop in childhood vaccinations, with reports indicating a 26% decrease from January to September 2020 due to pandemic-related fears. The initiative stresses the importance of keeping scheduled appointments amid reopening public venues. Merck emphasizes its commitment to public health and the urgent need to resume vaccinations to combat vaccine-preventable diseases.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced positive results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-522 trial for KEYTRUDA in treating high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement in event-free survival when combining KEYTRUDA with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone. The safety profile remained consistent with previous studies, showing no new safety signals. Merck aims to collaborate with the FDA to expedite the treatment's availability to patients.