Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (MRK) reported strong financial results for Q4 and the full year of 2021, with Q4 sales reaching $13.5 billion, a 24% increase from 2020. Key drivers included $952 million in sales from molnupiravir and significant growth in KEYTRUDA and GARDASIL. GAAP EPS for Q4 was $1.51, while non-GAAP EPS was $1.80. For the full year, total sales were $48.7 billion, up 17%, with GAAP EPS at $4.86. Merck anticipates 2022 sales between $56.1 billion and $57.6 billion and expects GAAP EPS of $5.76 to $5.91, including molnupiravir sales of $5-6 billion.

Organon (NYSE: OGN), a global women's health company, is designating International Women’s Day on March 8 as a day for employees to focus on their health. The initiative highlights growing health disparities faced by women, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Organon is urging employers in the UK to provide similar support. Acknowledging that 78% of women neglect their health for others, the company encourages its almost 9,500 employees to utilize this time off to prioritize their well-being, a step towards raising awareness on women's health inequities.

Organon (NYSE: OGN) highlights the disparities in women’s health exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, urging global leaders to prioritize women’s health. On March 8, International Women’s Day, Organon will give its employees paid time off to focus on their health. The firm stresses that women often neglect their health needs, with 78% prioritizing family over personal healthcare. CEO Kevin Ali emphasizes the importance of women's health for a resilient society. Organon aims to improve awareness and invites others to join in supporting women's health initiatives.

Organon (NYSE: OGN) will announce its fourth quarter and full year 2021 financial results on February 17, 2022, prior to a conference call at 8:30 a.m. EST. Investors can access the live call via webcast on the Organon website, with a replay available shortly after. Institutional investors must register in advance using conference ID# 2682555 to participate. Organon, a spin-off from Merck (NYSE: MRK), focuses on women's health, offering over 60 products and aiming to collaborate with biopharmaceutical innovators in growing markets.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced positive data from six preclinical studies showing that molnupiravir, an experimental oral antiviral drug, effectively targets the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. These findings bolster confidence in molnupiravir as a treatment for high-risk adults with mild to moderate COVID-19. The drug has been authorized for use in over 10 countries, including the U.S. and U.K. Merck is committed to ensuring global access to molnupiravir, having produced millions of treatment doses and entered into numerous supply agreements.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the European Commission's approval of KEYTRUDA as monotherapy for adults with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) at high risk of recurrence after nephrectomy. The approval is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial, which showed a 32% reduction in the risk of disease recurrence or death. KEYTRUDA is the first immunotherapy approved in Europe for this adjuvant setting. Additionally, updated data at 29.7 months showed a 37% reduction in recurrence risk. This treatment is now available across all EU member states and select territories.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share for Q2 2022. This dividend will be paid on April 7, 2022 to shareholders recorded by March 15, 2022. The company continues to focus on developing medicines and vaccines for critical health challenges, affirming its commitment to global health. Merck remains dedicated to enhancing access to healthcare and pursuing a leadership role in biopharmaceutical research. For further details about the company, visit www.merck.com.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the FDA has issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) for its New Drug Application of gefapixant, a selective P2X3 receptor antagonist intended for treating refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC). The CRL requests further data on efficacy measurement but does not raise safety concerns. Merck is committed to addressing FDA feedback and will consult with the agency on the next steps. Meanwhile, gefapixant has been approved in Japan under the brand name LYFNUA for similar conditions.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced the publication of Phase 3 KEYNOTE-775/Study 309 trial results in the New England Journal of Medicine. This pivotal study evaluated the combination of KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA against chemotherapy for patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma post-platinum regimen. Key findings indicate significant improvements in overall survival and progression-free survival. Following these results, KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA is approved in the U.S. and Europe for specific patients, addressing a critical need in treating endometrial carcinoma.