Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the European Commission approved an expanded indication for VAXNEUVANCE, a 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This approval allows active immunization for infants, children, and adolescents against diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. In total, VAXNEUVANCE is now available in all 27 EU Member States and three additional countries. Key studies involving approximately 8,400 participants demonstrated noninferior immune responses compared to existing vaccines. Merck aims to strengthen protection against pneumococcal disease in vulnerable populations.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced positive results from a Phase 3 trial of PREVYMIS (letermovir) for CMV prophylaxis in kidney transplant recipients. The trial demonstrated that PREVYMIS is non-inferior to the standard treatment, valganciclovir, with a **10.4%** incidence of CMV disease compared to **11.8%** for valganciclovir. Additionally, PREVYMIS exhibited significantly lower rates of myelotoxicity (26% vs. 64%) in patients. Merck plans to submit a supplemental new drug application to the FDA by year-end based on these findings.

Merck Animal Health has launched the Animo^® GPS, a new smart device designed for tracking dog activity and behavior. This GPS-enabled monitor alerts pet owners within 20 seconds if their dog leaves its 'Safe Zone,' with real-time location updates every five seconds in 'Lost Dog Mode.' The device tracks various behaviors such as sleep quality and barking via a mobile app. Animo GPS boasts a battery life of up to 12 weeks and is fully water-resistant. This innovation aims to enhance pet safety and health monitoring for dog owners.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute to license two preclinical antibacterial candidates, MK-7762 and MK-3854, aimed at treating tuberculosis (TB). The compounds, discovered through the TB Drug Accelerator initiative, show potent antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The Gates MRI will conduct further studies to assess their potential in affordable combination therapies that might shorten treatment durations, particularly for drug-resistant TB, which poses significant global health challenges.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has been recognized in Fortune's 2022 Change the World list for its commitment to enhancing global access to its human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. This marks the third inclusion in five years, showcasing its positive social impact as part of its core business strategy. Key initiatives include a long-term partnership with UNICEF to deliver 91.5 million vaccine doses and over $2 billion invested in vaccine supply. Merck aims to advance health equity and improve lives worldwide, aligning its actions with its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced positive results from the pivotal Phase 3 STELLAR trial for sotatercept, aimed at treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The trial achieved its primary endpoint, showing a significant improvement in 6-minute walk distance at 24 weeks. Notably, eight out of nine secondary outcomes met statistical significance, including improvements in clinical worsening events. Sotatercept's safety profile aligns with earlier studies. The results underscore sotatercept's potential to redefine PAH treatment, with plans for urgent regulatory applications.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics released findings from the PANORAMIC study, showing that LAGEVRIO did not significantly reduce hospitalizations or deaths compared to usual care within 28 days. However, patients on LAGEVRIO experienced a 6-day shorter recovery time. The Clalit study indicated LAGEVRIO reduced hospitalizations and mortality in patients aged 65 and older, while showing no benefit for those aged 40-64. Additionally, a carcinogenicity study demonstrated no cancer risk associated with LAGEVRIO.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) received a favorable ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit regarding a patent challenge on sitagliptin, a key ingredient in JANUVIA, JANUMET, and JANUMET XR. This ruling affirms the validity of U.S. Patent No. 7,326,708, ensuring patent protection until May 2027, including pediatric exclusivity. The company has settled with multiple generics, allowing market entry for sitagliptin products in May 2026 and extended-release versions by July 2026.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) is set to hold its third-quarter 2022 sales and earnings conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 27. During this conference, executives will discuss the company's performance for the quarter and provide future outlook. A live audio webcast will be available, and a replay along with detailed financial disclosures will be accessible on the company's website.

Merck aims to leverage innovative health solutions to advance disease prevention and treatment globally, while maintaining a commitment to a diverse workforce and sustainable practices.