Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Dr. Dean Li, executive vice president and president of Merck Research Laboratories, will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Guggenheim Biopharma Strategy Series on June 22, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. EDT. The discussion will focus on global strategy and innovation in the biopharma sector. Investors, analysts, and the public can access the live audio webcast via Merck's investor relations site at this link.

Merck has a rich history of 130 years, dedicated to innovating medicines and vaccines.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced the establishment of the Kenneth C. Frazier Award for Maternal Health Equity, which will be granted annually to honor organizations dedicated to improving maternal health care quality. This initiative, part of Merck for Mothers, aligns with Merck’s mission to combat systemic health access barriers. Named after the CEO, the award aims to spotlight impactful organizations, with nominations due by July 30, 2021, and grants of up to $250,000 available. Merck for Mothers, a $500 million initiative, aims to enhance health equity globally.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has signed a procurement agreement with the U.S. government for molnupiravir (MK-4482), an investigational COVID-19 therapy currently in Phase 3 trials. If authorized, Merck will provide approximately 1.7 million treatment courses for around $1.2 billion. The company aims to have over 10 million courses available by the end of 2021. Merck is also pursuing global availability through tiered pricing and licensing agreements in 104 low- and middle-income countries. The ongoing MOVe-OUT study may lead to an Emergency Use Authorization later in 2021.

Merck (MRK) and Eisai have shared new findings from the pivotal Phase 3 CLEAR/KEYNOTE-581 trial, evaluating KEYTRUDA combined with LENVIMA for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This analysis, presented at ASCO 2021, indicates improved health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients using KEYTRUDA and LENVIMA over sunitinib. Key results showed better scores in physical functioning and fatigue at a mean follow-up of 46 weeks. The findings support the combination as a potential first-line treatment option, with data currently under FDA review.

Merck announced pivotal Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial results for KEYTRUDA, demonstrating a 32% reduction in disease recurrence or death risk in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients post-nephrectomy. The trial involved 994 patients, showing KEYTRUDA's two-year disease-free survival rate at 77.3% versus 68.1% for placebo. Adverse events were noted, with 18.9% experiencing grade 3-5 treatment-related issues. As the first immunotherapy illustrating clinical benefit in RCC adjuvant treatment, KEYTRUDA could set new care standards. Outcomes will be presented at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting.

AstraZeneca and Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced significant findings from the Phase 3 OlympiA trial for LYNPARZA, which showed a 42% reduction in the risk of invasive breast cancer recurrence in patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations compared to placebo. The data, presented at the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighted a 3-year iDFS rate of 85.9% for LYNPARZA versus 77.1% for placebo. Secondary results also indicated a 43% reduction in distant disease-free survival risk. The trial continues to assess overall survival.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has successfully completed the spinoff of Organon & Co., creating an independent publicly traded company. This strategic move aims to enhance each entity's operational focus and financial profiles. Merck anticipates achieving approximately $1.5 billion in operating efficiencies over three years, with an estimated $500 million realized in 2021. The spinoff involved a $9 billion distribution from Organon to Merck shareholders. Organon will now trade under the symbol 'OGN' on the New York Stock Exchange, while Merck retains 'MRK'.

Merck's first hexavalent vaccine, VAXELIS, is now available in the U.S. This combination vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, and invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b disease. VAXELIS is approved for a 3-dose series for children aged 6 weeks to 4 years.

It aims to reduce the number of shots required in early childhood vaccinations. The CDC includes it in the recommended immunization schedule, and it will be distributed via public and private channels. Safety information details contraindications and potential side effects.

Sanofi and Merck have announced that Vaxelis, the first hexavalent combination vaccine in the U.S., is now available. This vaccine protects against six diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hib, and hepatitis B, administered in three doses to children aged 6 weeks to 4 years. The vaccine aims to reduce the number of shots children need, improving vaccination coverage. Vaxelis has been included in the CDC's immunization schedule and will be distributed through various channels. The collaboration reflects a commitment to enhancing pediatric health.