Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Eisai announced that the European Commission has approved the combination therapy of KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA for treating advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This decision follows results from the CLEAR/KEYNOTE-581 trial, showing that this combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 61% compared to sunitinib, with a median progression-free survival of 23.9 months. The combination also showed an overall survival benefit and a higher objective response rate, providing new hope for advanced RCC patients in Europe.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics have released data from the MOVe-OUT study of molnupiravir, an oral antiviral for COVID-19. The study, involving 1,433 participants, showed a reduction in hospitalization or death rates from 9.7% in the placebo group to 6.8% in the treatment group, achieving a 30% relative risk reduction. The FDA is reviewing Merck's Emergency Use Authorization application, with discussions scheduled for Nov. 30. Previously, an interim analysis had indicated even greater efficacy, reducing risks by 48%.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) will have Frank Clyburn, EVP and Human Health President, participate in the 4th Annual Evercore ISI HealthCONx Conference. The virtual event is set for December 1, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. ET. Investors, analysts, and the general public can access a live webcast of the presentations at Merck's investor relations website. Merck, a leading biopharmaceutical company with a legacy of over 130 years, focuses on developing innovative medicines and vaccines to enhance health outcomes globally.

Organon (NYSE: OGN) announced that CEO Kevin Ali and CFO Matthew Walsh will participate in a fireside chat at the Evercore ISI 4th Annual HealthCONx Conference on December 1, 2021, at 1:50 p.m. ET. Investors, analysts, and the public can access a live video webcast at this link. Organon focuses on women's health and has over 60 products across various therapeutic areas, serving over 140 markets globally and employing approximately 9,000 people.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has successfully completed the acquisition of Acceleron Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: XLRN), enhancing its cardiovascular portfolio. CEO Rob Davis highlighted this acquisition as a strategic move aimed at expanding market opportunities and addressing critical health needs. Acceleron’s lead candidate, sotatercept, targets pulmonary arterial hypertension and is currently in Phase 3 trials. This acquisition aims to strengthen Merck’s pipeline and further its longstanding commitment to cardiovascular health.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has successfully completed its cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Acceleron Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: XLRN) at a price of $180 per share. By the offer's expiration on November 19, 2021, approximately 63.3% of Acceleron’s shares were tendered. Following the merger, Acceleron will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck, and its stock will cease trading on Nasdaq. The acquisition aims to enhance Merck's portfolio and market presence in the biopharmaceutical space.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced an update on the Phase 2 IMAGINE-DR clinical trial, which evaluated the combination of MK-8507 and islatravir (ISL) for HIV-1 treatment. Due to significant decreases in total lymphocyte and CD4+ T-cell counts observed in participants receiving the highest doses of MK-8507, dosing has been halted on the recommendation of the external Data Monitoring Committee. Nevertheless, Merck remains committed to advancing islatravir across various settings, continuing other trials without MK-8507. The company previously reported positive results from the ILLUMINATE SWITCH A and B trials.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced FDA approval for KEYTRUDA, its anti-PD-1 therapy, as the first immunotherapy for adjuvant treatment in patients with intermediate-high or high-risk renal cell carcinoma (RCC) post-nephrectomy. This approval is based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial, showing a 32% reduction in disease recurrence or death risk compared to placebo (HR=0.68). While KEYTRUDA presents a promising new treatment option, it also comes with potential severe immune-mediated adverse reactions.

Avoro Capital Advisors, a major shareholder in Acceleron Pharma Inc. (XLRN), owning approximately 7%, expressed strong opposition to Merck's (MRK) tender offer of $180 per share. The firm criticized the transaction as poorly timed and undervaluing Acceleron, stating it believes significant shareholder value will emerge post results from the pivotal STELLAR phase 3 trial. Avoro emphasized its commitment to a standalone Acceleron, suggesting alternative financing methods if needed and urging other shareholders not to tender their shares, potentially indicating strong discontent among investors.