Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share for Q3 2022. This dividend will be paid on July 8, 2022, to shareholders on record as of June 15, 2022. The company continues to focus on advancing health solutions through innovative research and development in the biopharmaceutical sector.

The European Commission has approved Merck's KEYTRUDA in combination with chemotherapy for adults with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This decision, based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-522 trial, demonstrated a 37% reduction in the risk of event-free survival (EFS) events compared to chemotherapy alone. The approval represents the first immunotherapy option for this patient group in the EU and the fifth indication for KEYTRUDA in breast or gynecologic cancer in less than a year. The treatment is now available across all 27 EU member states.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommending the approval of KEYTRUDA as an adjuvant treatment for stage IIB and IIC melanoma in patients aged 12 and older following complete resection. This follows successful results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial, which showed significant improvements in recurrence-free and distant metastasis-free survival compared to placebo. A final decision by the European Commission is anticipated in Q2 or Q3 of 2022.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the presentation of data from six approved medicines and pipeline candidates targeting over 25 cancers at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago from June 3-7. Highlights include findings from KEYTRUDA, WELIREG, LYNPARZA, and LENVIMA, alongside investigational therapies like favezelimab and MK-0482. Key data emphasize advancements in treatment for cancers such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer. An Oncology Investor Event will occur on June 7, providing insights into Merck's oncology strategy.

Organon reported first quarter 2022 revenue of $1,567 million, a 4% increase from the previous year. Net income from continuing operations was $348 million or $1.36 per diluted share, reflecting a 12% decline year-over-year. The company’s adjusted net income was $420 million or $1.65 per diluted share, down 7%. Organon continues to grow its women's health offerings and affirmed its full-year financial guidance. A quarterly dividend of $0.28 was declared, payable on June 16, 2022.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Caroline Litchfield will take part in a fireside chat at the Bank of America Securities 2022 Healthcare Conference. This event is set for May 11 at 11:40 a.m. ET, and interested parties can listen live through the provided link.

With over 130 years of experience, Merck is committed to advancing health care through innovative medicines and vaccines. The company addresses serious diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, aiming to enhance global health access.

The European Commission has approved Merck's KEYTRUDA for treating microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) tumors in adults. This approval applies to various cancers, including colorectal, endometrial, gastric, small intestine, and biliary cancers, post previous therapies. KEYTRUDA's efficacy was supported by two Phase 2 trials, showing objective response rates of up to 56% across indications. This marks the second approval for KEYTRUDA related to MSI-H/dMMR biomarkers in Europe, expanding treatment options for patients facing advanced cancer.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announces the European Commission's approval of KEYTRUDA for treating persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer in patients with PD-L1 expressing tumors (CPS ≥1). This decision follows the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-826 trial, which showed a 36% reduction in death risk and improved overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with the KEYTRUDA regimen compared to traditional chemotherapy. The objective response rate (ORR) was 68% for KEYTRUDA versus 50% for chemotherapy. This marks the first immunotherapy regimens approved for this cancer type in Europe.

Merck (MRK) reported strong first-quarter 2022 results with worldwide sales of $15.9 billion, a 50% increase from Q1 2021, driven by effective commercial execution and recovery from COVID-19. Key product sales include KEYTRUDA at $4.8 billion (+23%) and LAGEVRIO with $3.2 billion in sales. GAAP EPS rose to $1.70 from $1.08, while non-GAAP EPS jumped to $2.14. Merck raised its full-year revenue guidance to between $56.9 billion and $58.1 billion, reflecting a growth of 17% to 19%. The company continues to advance its research pipeline with multiple regulatory approvals.