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) presented findings at the 48th Annual European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation Meeting, revealing that PREVYMIS™ (letermovir) significantly lowers the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in CMV-seropositive patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The meta-analysis of 48 studies showed a 87% reduction in CMV reactivation and a 91% reduction in clinically significant CMV infections at 100 days. Results were consistent at 200 days, reinforcing PREVYMIS as a critical prophylactic treatment in this high-risk patient population.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has received FDA approval for KEYTRUDA as a treatment for patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). The approval is based on data from the KEYNOTE-158 trial, which demonstrated a 46% objective response rate (ORR) with a 12% complete response and 33% partial response among patients treated with KEYTRUDA. This marks KEYTRUDA's fourth indication in gynecologic oncology, emphasizing its potential in addressing advanced endometrial cancer.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced pivotal results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-091 trial for the adjuvant treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study showed that KEYTRUDA significantly improved disease-free survival (DFS) by 24% compared to placebo, with a median DFS of 53.6 months versus 42.0 months. These data will be shared with regulatory authorities globally. Despite positive outcomes, the study noted that improvement in DFS for high PD-L1 expression patients was not statistically significant. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and AstraZeneca have released positive data from the Phase 3 OlympiA trial, highlighting LYNPARZA's effectiveness as an adjuvant treatment for patients with germline BRCA-mutated early breast cancer. The trial demonstrated a 32% reduction in the risk of death (HR=0.68) compared to placebo, with three-year survival rates of 92.8% for LYNPARZA versus 89.1% for placebo. These findings will be showcased at the European Society for Medical Oncology Virtual Plenary, marking a significant advancement for early breast cancer treatment.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the discontinuation of the Phase 3 KEYLYNK-010 trial, which studied KEYTRUDA with LYNPARZA for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The independent Data Monitoring Committee recommended stopping the trial after an interim analysis revealed no overall survival benefit compared to control treatments. The combination also showed a higher incidence of serious adverse events. Despite this setback, Merck continues to explore other KEYTRUDA combinations across various cancers, maintaining a strong clinical development program.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that LYNPARZA received FDA approval as the first targeted adjuvant therapy for patients with BRCA-mutated, HER2-negative high-risk early breast cancer. This is a significant milestone as LYNPARZA demonstrated a 42% reduction in the risk of invasive breast cancer recurrence and a 32% reduction in the risk of death compared to placebo, based on the Phase 3 OlympiA trial. Merck will make a $175 million payment to AstraZeneca under their collaboration agreement following this approval, potentially enhancing the market position of LYNPARZA.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) will host a virtual investor event on April 5, 2022, at 10:00am ET, after the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session 2022. The event will provide insights into Merck’s extensive cardiovascular portfolio and pipeline. Cardiovascular disease remains a significant global health issue, claiming approximately 18 million lives annually. Merck highlights its commitment to innovation and research in this field, aiming to improve patient outcomes. For more details, visit Merck's investor relations website.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced positive results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial, which evaluated KEYTRUDA as adjuvant treatment for patients with resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma. The trial met its key secondary endpoint of distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), showing a statistically significant improvement compared to placebo. Additionally, KEYTRUDA demonstrated improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) at previous analyses. No new safety concerns were noted, reinforcing its efficacy as an adjuvant therapy. Full results will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced that Caroline Litchfield, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in a fireside chat at Cowen’s 42nd Annual Health Care Conference on Monday, March 7, at 12:50 p.m. ET. This virtual event invites investors, analysts, media, and the public to listen via a provided link. With over 130 years in the industry, Merck continues to focus on developing medicines and vaccines to combat various diseases globally.
Organon (NYSE: OGN) announced that CEO Kevin Ali and CFO Matthew Walsh will participate in a fireside chat at the Cowen 42nd Annual Healthcare Virtual Conference on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, at 9:10 a.m. EST. A live video webcast of the event will be accessible for investors, analysts, media, and the public. Organon, a global healthcare company formed from a Merck spin-off, focuses on women's health with a diverse portfolio of over 60 products. The company aims to innovate and partner with biopharmaceutical innovators, leveraging its significant global presence.