Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has entered into non-exclusive licensing agreements for molnupiravir with five Indian generics manufacturers to enhance its availability in India and over 100 low- and middle-income countries. This investigational oral antiviral agent is currently in a Phase 3 trial for non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The generics include Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s, Emcure, Hetero, and Sun Pharma. Additionally, Merck will donate over $5 million in aid to support relief efforts in India, highlighting its commitment to alleviating suffering amid the pandemic.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) aims to achieve carbon neutrality across its operations by 2025 and cut 30% of value chain emissions by 2030. These goals align with global climate efforts and the Paris Agreement. Merck plans to enhance efficiency, reduce fossil fuel use, and offset remaining emissions with high-quality carbon credits.

The company has signed new virtual power purchase agreements in Texas and Spain, aiming to address 35% of its Scope 2 emissions. Merck is committed to sustainability and engaging suppliers to achieve these ambitious environmental goals.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced the discontinuation of MK-7110's development for COVID-19 treatment. Acquired through OncoImmune in December 2020, the drug required more data than previously expected, which would delay its availability until 2022. Consequently, Merck will redirect resources towards enhancing molnupiravir, an oral outpatient medicine, and increasing production of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. This decision aligns with Merck's commitment to prioritize impactful efforts during the pandemic, as stated by Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president at Merck Research Laboratories.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced updates on molnupiravir, an investigational COVID-19 antiviral. Following positive interim data from the Phase 2 dose-finding trials, Merck will advance molnupiravir to the Phase 3 stage in outpatients with COVID-19, focusing on an 800 mg dosage. However, the drug's Phase 2 MOVe-IN trial for hospitalized patients was halted due to insufficient evidence of clinical benefit. Final data from the MOVe-OUT Phase 3 trial is expected by September/October 2021, with potential Emergency Use Authorization anticipated later in the year.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced its 20th community-based grant under the Safer Childbirth Cities initiative, focusing on improving maternal health outcomes for Black women in Austin, TX. The funding supports the Maternal Health Equity Collaborative (MHEC) to address racial inequities and enhance access to quality healthcare. The initiative aligns with Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17, 2021), spotlighting systemic racism's impact on maternal mortality rates. Merck for Mothers pledges $500 million to combat these disparities, emphasizing local solutions.

Organon Finance 1 LLC, a Merck subsidiary, has priced an offering of €1.25 billion in euro senior secured notes and $4.1 billion in U.S. dollar senior secured notes, alongside $2 billion in senior unsecured notes. This move supports the spinoff of Organon & Co. and aims to repay intercompany loans and cover spinoff-related expenses. The notes will close on April 22, 2021, and will be guaranteed by Organon’s subsidiaries post-spinoff. The offering will cater to qualified institutional buyers and non-U.S. investors, complying with U.S. and EU regulations.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that its Phase 3 KEYNOTE-564 trial for KEYTRUDA, an anti-PD-1 therapy, has met its primary endpoint of disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following nephrectomy. An interim analysis showed a statistically significant improvement in DFS compared to placebo. The trial will continue to assess overall survival, a key secondary endpoint. The safety profile of KEYTRUDA remained consistent with previous studies. Results will be presented at a medical meeting and submitted for regulatory review.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that Organon Finance 1 LLC plans to offer euro-denominated senior secured notes due 2028 and U.S. dollar-denominated senior secured and unsecured notes due 2028 and 2031, respectively. The proceeds will be used to repay intercompany loans and cover spinoff expenses from Merck to Organon & Co. Notes offerings will be subject to market conditions and held in escrow until spinoff conditions are met. The spinoff will form Organon, focusing on women's healthcare with a portfolio of over 60 medicines, strong cash flows, and around 10,000 employees.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has successfully completed its cash tender offer for all outstanding shares of Pandion Therapeutics at $60 per share. Approximately 27.77 million shares, or 88.6% of Pandion's stock, were tendered. Following the tender offer, a merger was completed, making Pandion a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck. Consequently, Pandion's stock will no longer be traded on Nasdaq. This acquisition aligns with Merck's long-term strategy to enhance its biopharmaceutical portfolio, particularly in addressing challenging diseases.