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, generates frequent news across human health, animal health and corporate finance. As a research-intensive biopharmaceutical company with more than a century of history developing medicines and vaccines, Merck regularly announces clinical trial milestones, regulatory decisions, business development transactions and capital markets activity.
Recent news highlights include oncology updates from Merck’s extensive KEYTRUDA program, such as positive Phase 3 data in muscle-invasive bladder cancer and new trials in non-small cell lung cancer using combinations like calderasib (MK-1084) with KEYTRUDA QLEX. The company also reports on progress in other therapeutic areas, including pulmonary arterial hypertension with WINREVAIR, Alzheimer’s disease candidates MK-2214 and MK-1167, and cardiovascular research with the oral PCSK9 inhibitor candidate enlicitide.
Investors following MRK news will also see announcements related to Merck Animal Health, such as the conditional U.S. FDA approval of EXZOLT CATTLE-CA1 for the prevention and treatment of New World screwworm larvae and the treatment and control of cattle fever tick, as well as updates on acquisitions like the planned merger with Cidara Therapeutics to add the influenza candidate CD388 to Merck’s respiratory portfolio.
Corporate and financial communications include quarterly earnings calls, participation in major healthcare conferences and disclosures about note offerings under the company’s shelf registration statement. This news page aggregates these developments so readers can review clinical, regulatory, strategic and financial updates related to Merck & Co., Inc. and its MRK stock in one place.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Orna Therapeutics have entered a strategic collaboration to develop vaccines and therapeutics targeting infectious diseases and oncology. Merck will pay Orna $150 million upfront and an additional $3.5 billion in potential milestones, plus royalties on approved products. Merck will also invest $100 million in Orna's Series B financing. Orna retains rights to its innovative oRNA technology platform, which has shown stability and effectiveness in therapeutic applications, promising advancements in RNA-based treatments.
The European Commission has approved LYNPARZA as the first PARP inhibitor for adjuvant treatment in adults with germline BRCA mutations and HER2-negative early breast cancer, based on the Phase 3 OlympiA trial results. LYNPARZA showed a 42% reduction in the risk of invasive disease recurrence and a 32% reduction in mortality compared to placebo. AstraZeneca will receive a $75 million payment from Merck due to this approval. This milestone indicates a shift in treatment options for high-risk patients, aiming to decrease recurrence rates.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced that the Phase 3 LEAP-002 trial of KEYTRUDA combined with LENVIMA did not meet its primary endpoints for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). Although there were trends indicating potential benefits of the combination over LENVIMA monotherapy, results lacked statistical significance. The safety profile matched previous data. Merck and Eisai will showcase findings at a medical conference while continuing research on this combination across various cancers.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-921 trial for KEYTRUDA combined with chemotherapy (docetaxel) failed to meet its primary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Despite modest trends favoring the combination, results lacked statistical significance. The safety profile of KEYTRUDA remained consistent with previous studies. Merck continues its commitment to developing new treatments for prostate cancer through various ongoing trials.
Merck reported robust financial performance for Q2 2022, with worldwide sales of $14.6 billion, a 28% increase from Q2 2021. Key drivers included KEYTRUDA sales rising 26% to $5.3 billion and GARDASIL growing 36% to $1.7 billion. Non-GAAP EPS improved to $1.87. The company received FDA approval for VAXNEUVANCE, and expanded indications for KEYTRUDA. Merck raised its full-year sales guidance to between $57.5 billion and $58.5 billion, reflecting a growth expectation of 18% to 20% despite foreign exchange impacts.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced a quarterly dividend of
Merck aims to lead in biopharmaceuticals while promoting diversity and sustainability in its operations. The company recognizes various risks and uncertainties affecting its performance, including market conditions and regulatory challenges.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that its Phase 3 KEYNOTE-412 trial of KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) combined with chemoradiation therapy for unresected locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) failed to meet its primary endpoint of event-free survival (EFS). While the trial showed some improvement in EFS compared to placebo, it did not achieve statistical significance. Despite this setback, Merck remains committed to exploring KEYTRUDA regimens for HNSCC in earlier disease stages, with plans to present detailed results at a medical meeting.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has entered a global agreement with Orion for the development and commercialization of the investigational drug ODM-208, designed to inhibit CYP11A1, crucial in steroid production. Merck will pay Orion
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has launched the Merck Digital Sciences Studio (MDSS) aimed at fostering innovation in drug discovery by supporting early-stage biomedical startups. The MDSS will provide investments, access to Azure Cloud computing, and collaboration opportunities with Merck scientists. Applications are now open for 12 spots in the first cohort, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. The initiative will be located in Newark, NJ, and Cambridge, MA, collaborating with the New Jersey Innovation Institute and supported by notable venture funds.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) will conduct its second-quarter 2022 sales and earnings conference call on July 28 at 8:00 a.m. ET. Company executives will present an overview of Merck's performance for the quarter and its outlook, accessible via a live audio webcast. The call can be joined by dialing designated numbers for the USA and international participants. A replay will be available on Merck's website along with supplemental disclosures. For over 130 years, Merck has been a leader in biopharmaceuticals, advancing health solutions globally.