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) announced significant positive event-free survival (EFS) results from the KEYNOTE-522 trial for high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). After 39 months of follow-up, the KEYTRUDA regimen showed a 37% reduction in EFS events compared to chemotherapy-placebo (HR=0.63). Notably, 84.5% of KEYTRUDA patients remained EFS at three years. The treatment's safety profile was consistent, with no new safety concerns. These findings support KEYTRUDA's potential in TNBC, leading to an FDA application for broader use.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) presented new data from its HIV clinical development program at the 11th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science from July 18-21. Key highlights include results from a Phase 2a study of islatravir for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and 96-week data on islatravir combined with doravirine for treatment-naïve adults. Merck emphasizes its commitment to HIV research and the potential of islatravir in future treatment regimens. The company remains focused on advancing its HIV portfolio amid ongoing challenges in the industry.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics announced the presentation of Phase 2 interim results for molnupiravir, an investigational oral antiviral for COVID-19, at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). The ongoing Phase 3 MOVe-OUT trial targets non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 risk factors. Merck plans to initiate a new program for post-exposure prophylaxis later this year. Dr. Roy Baynes emphasized the critical need for antiviral treatments, while Ridgeback's CEO expressed hope for molnupiravir's role in pandemic solutions.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced FDA approval for an expanded label for KEYTRUDA as monotherapy for locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) unresponsive to surgery or radiation. This decision follows a Phase 2 KEYNOTE-629 trial, showing a 50% objective response rate (ORR) with a 17% complete response rate and a 33% partial response rate. Among responders, 81% maintained response for over six months. The approval highlights KEYTRUDA's efficacy for cSCC, the second most common non-melanoma skin cancer.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has announced its decision to voluntarily withdraw the U.S. accelerated approval for KEYTRUDA in treating recurrent locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, following a failure to demonstrate an overall survival benefit in a Phase 3 study. This decision, made after consultation with the FDA, will be initiated in six months. KEYTRUDA remains approved for other indications, including first-line treatment with trastuzumab for HER2-positive gastric cancer and for certain solid tumors with specific genetic markers.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) will host its second-quarter 2021 sales and earnings conference call on July 29 at 8:00 a.m. EDT. Company executives will provide an overview of performance for the quarter. A live audio webcast will be available on Merck's website, with a replay and financial disclosures to follow. Institutional investors and analysts can participate by dialing specific numbers and using the provided ID code. Merck has a longstanding commitment to advancing healthcare through innovative medicines and vaccines for serious diseases.
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OneTen, a coalition of CEOs, has launched a new Talent platform aimed at hiring, upskilling, and promoting one million Black individuals without four-year degrees over the next decade. Collaborating with Bain & Company, IBM, and Merck, the platform facilitates career paths and skill development. The platform will be available to member employers in Q4 2021, enhancing accessibility to job opportunities. By employing a skills-first approach, OneTen aims to combat bias in hiring, providing equitable access to careers for Black talent while leveraging advanced AI and blockchain technologies.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) announced that the European Commission has approved KEYTRUDA for first-line treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic esophageal carcinoma or HER2-negative gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The approval follows the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-590 trial, showing significant improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). KEYTRUDA combined with chemotherapy reduced the risk of death by 27% and disease progression by 35%. The combination therapy received marketing approval across all EU member states and other countries, marking a significant advancement in treatment options.
Merck (NYSE: MRK) has appointed Michael Klobuchar as executive vice president and chief strategy officer, effective July 5, 2021. This new role aims to enhance the execution of Merck’s strategic initiatives. Klobuchar, who brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Merck, expressed enthusiasm for leveraging the company's scientific capabilities. President Rob Davis highlighted Klobuchar's insights and commitment to innovation as critical for the company’s evolution and longstanding legacy in health solutions.