Merck & Co Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced promising interim results from the Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial for molnupiravir, an oral antiviral for treating COVID-19. The trial revealed a 50% reduction in hospitalization or death among patients receiving molnupiravir compared to placebo (7.3% vs 14.1%). No deaths occurred in the treatment group. Following these results, Merck plans to seek Emergency Use Authorization in the U.S. The study involved 775 patients, with full recruitment set for 1,550. Molnupiravir could be the first oral treatment for COVID-19, contingent on authorization.

Avoro Capital, a significant stakeholder in Acceleron Pharma (XLRN), has expressed concerns over the proposed acquisition by Merck (MRK) at $180 per share. This price represents a mere 38% premium, significantly lower than the average 89% for similar transactions since 2020. Avoro argues that the deal undervalues Acceleron, especially with promising data for its sotatercept candidate, currently in phase 3 trials and designated as a Breakthrough Therapy by the FDA. Avoro calls for a reassessment of the merger valuation due to the company's growing potential.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced its acquisition of Acceleron Pharma (NASDAQ: XLRN) for $180 per share, totaling approximately $11.5 billion. This strategic move aims to enhance Merck's cardiovascular pipeline, particularly with the integration of sotatercept, a promising therapy in Phase 3 development for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The deal underscores Merck's commitment to sustainable growth and innovation in treating cardiovascular diseases and is expected to close in Q4 2021.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) has appointed Thomas H. Glocer as independent lead director of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Glocer, who joined the board in 2007, brings extensive expertise in management and international business, having previously served as CEO of Thomson Reuters. CEO Rob Davis praised Glocer’s valuable contributions and looks forward to their continued collaboration. Merck has a long-standing commitment to advancing health care through innovative medicines and vaccines, positioning itself as a leader in biopharmaceutical research.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) will host its third-quarter 2021 sales and earnings call on October 28 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. This event will provide an overview of the company’s quarterly performance and future outlook. Investors can listen to the call via a live webcast on Merck's website, with a replay available afterward. Merck has a longstanding commitment to developing innovative medicines and vaccines, focusing on diseases like cancer and infectious diseases. For more details, visit Merck’s investor relations page.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-394 study results, where KEYTRUDA, its anti-PD-1 therapy, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) for Asian patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) previously treated with sorafenib. The study also achieved key secondary endpoints: progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR). No new safety concerns were reported. Merck is advancing research in HCC through a global program involving approximately 3,000 patients across multiple clinical trials.

Merck (NYSE:MRK) and AstraZeneca announced positive results from the Phase 3 PROpel trial, indicating that LYNPARZA combined with abiraterone/prednisone significantly improves radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The findings suggest potential first-line treatment options regardless of biomarker status. Although overall survival data remain immature, the trial's interim analysis showed an encouraging trend. The safety profile aligns with existing treatments, and further data will be presented at a medical meeting.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced significant results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-355 trial, showcasing KEYTRUDA's effectiveness in combination with chemotherapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC). The study revealed a 27% reduction in the risk of death, with an increased median overall survival of 6.9 months (23.0 months vs. 16.1 months) for patients expressing PD-L1 (CPS ≥10). This pivotal trial confirms KEYTRUDA's role in improving treatment outcomes for mTNBC, further supported by prior improvements in progression-free survival. Regulatory approvals are underway in both the U.S. and Europe.

Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced promising results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial, showing that KEYTRUDA reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death by 35% in patients with resected high-risk stage II melanoma compared to placebo. This marks the first anti-PD-1 therapy to improve recurrence-free survival (RFS) in this setting. After 14.4 months, 11.1% of KEYTRUDA patients experienced recurrence or death versus 16.8% in the placebo group. The FDA has accepted these findings for priority review, indicating potential for new treatment options for a high-risk patient population.