Latest news with #Keytruda
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Should You Count on MRK for Steady Passive Income?
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the Best Stocks to Buy for Dividends. A close-up of a person's hand holding a bottle of pharmaceuticals. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a leading pharmaceutical company, best known for its strong presence in oncology, particularly through Keytruda, the top-selling drug globally. Beyond cancer treatment, the company also produces medications for diabetes, as well as vaccines for HPV and chickenpox. In 2024, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) expanded its pipeline through several acquisitions, including Harpoon Therapeutics, Abceutics, EyeBio, and Modifi Biosciences. These moves support a promising future for its drug portfolio. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)'s pipeline includes dozens of active programs, featuring new drug candidates and recently approved treatments like Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension. The company also holds a strong position in the animal health sector, which benefits from the growing trend in pet ownership. With 14 consecutive years of dividend increases and an average dividend growth rate of nearly 8% over the past five years, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) offers a reliable and steadily growing income stream for investors. The company's quarterly dividend sits at $0.81 per share for a dividend yield of 4.07%, as of June 25. While we acknowledge the potential of MRK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure. None. Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck's (MRK) WINREVAIR Shows Strong Results in HYPERION Trial
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the 12 stocks that will make you rich in 10 years. On June 23, the company shared encouraging results from its Phase 3 HYPERION trial. The study tested a drug called WINREVAIR (sotatercept-csrk) against a placebo, both combined with standard treatment, in adults recently diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)—a serious lung condition. A lab technician in a biopharmaceutical laboratory, surrounded by technology and equipment necessary for advanced research. The trial involved around 320 people from different countries. Most participants were already on two background treatments, unlike earlier trials where most were on three. WINREVAIR showed it could significantly slow down the worsening of PAH compared to the placebo. However, the company didn't release the exact numbers yet, only saying the results were both statistically and medically meaningful. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a global biopharmaceutical company. It discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products. Its key products include Keytruda (cancer), Gardasil (HPV vaccine), Januvia (diabetes), and Bridion (anesthesia reversal). While we acknowledge the potential of MRK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: and . Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
FDA's Approval of Keytruda for PD-L1 Positive Head and Neck Cancer Patients Signals a Clear Pathway for CEL-SCI's Multikine to Address a Major Unmet Need in PD-L1 Negative Cancer Patients
VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CEL-SCI Corporation (NYSE American: CVM) today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of Merck's KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), an anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of adult patients with resectable locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (Combined Positive Score [CPS] ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Merck's application was granted the FDA's priority review on February 25, 2025, and regulatory approval was granted on June 13, 2025, based on interim results from Keytruda's Phase 3 KEYNOTE-689 trial. "The Keytruda approval based on pre-specified interim results strongly implies that Multikine has the potential for accelerated regulatory approval based on favorable post-surgical tumor responses,' stated CEL-SCI's CEO, Geert Kersten. Share Last week the FDA approved Keytruda as a perioperative (before and after surgery) treatment for resectable locally advanced head and neck cancer patients whose tumors express PD-L1 at a positive level. In Merck's Phase 3 KEYNOTE-689 trial, Keytruda reduced the risk of recurrence and progression by 30%, compared with standard of care, in patients whose tumors expressed PD-L1 (CPS ≥1). The study did not show an improvement in overall survival. Patients with low to zero levels of PD-L1 did not benefit from Keytruda. In contrast to the results of the KEYNOTE-689, CEL-SCI's Phase 3 study showed that Multikine* treated patients whose tumors expressed low (Tumor Proportion Score [TPS <10]) to zero PD-L1, had their risk of death reduced by 66% (hazard ratio 0.34, 95% CI [0.18, 0.65], p=0.0012) and extended the 5-year overall survival to 73% compared to 45% in the standard of care, log rank p=0.0015. About 70% of the patients in CEL-SCI's Phase 3 study had low to zero levels of PD-L1. 'It is encouraging for CEL-SCI that Merck's Keytruda application received the FDA's priority review and that marketing approval was given based on a Phase 3 study's first pre-specified interim analysis. CEL-SCI has received the FDA's go-ahead for a confirmatory Registration Study with 212 patients based on results from the completed Multikine Phase 3 study in head and neck cancer patients. The patients in the Phase 3 study that benefited from Multikine pre-surgery treatment showed an almost 4-year median overall survival advantage over control, and pre-surgery tumor responses to Multikine predicted survival benefit. The Keytruda approval based on pre-specified interim results strongly implies that Multikine has the potential for accelerated regulatory approval based on favorable post-surgical tumor responses,' stated CEL-SCI's CEO, Geert Kersten. About CEL-SCI Corporation CEL-SCI believes that boosting a patient's immune system before surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have damaged it should provide the greatest possible impact on survival. Multikine is designed to help the immune system "target" the tumor at a time when the immune system is still relatively intact and thereby thought to be better able to mount an attack on the tumor. Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection), given right after diagnosis and before surgery, has been dosed in over 740 patients and received Orphan Drug designation from the FDA for neoadjuvant therapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (cancer) of the head and neck. Based on the data from the completed randomized controlled Phase 3 study, the FDA concurred with CEL-SCI's target patient selection criteria and gave the go-ahead to conduct a confirmatory Registration Study. The study will enroll 212 newly diagnosed locally advanced primary treatment naïve resectable head and neck cancer patients. The Company has operations in Vienna, Virginia, and near/in Baltimore, Maryland. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. When used in this press release, the words "intends," "believes," "anticipated," "plans" and "expects," and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include an inability to duplicate the clinical results demonstrated in clinical studies, timely development of any potential products that can be shown to be safe and effective, receiving necessary regulatory approvals, difficulties in manufacturing any of the Company's potential products, inability to raise the necessary capital, inability to finalize a partnering agreement and the risk factors set forth from time to time in CEL-SCI's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2024. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect the events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. * Multikine (Leukocyte Interleukin, Injection) is the trademark that CEL-SCI has registered for this investigational therapy. This proprietary name is subject to FDA review in connection with the Company's future anticipated regulatory submission for approval. Multikine has not been licensed or approved for sale, barter or exchange by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. Similarly, its safety or efficacy has not been established for any use.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
40% Upside For Merck Stock?
INDIA - 2025/05/20: In this photo illustration, a MERCK logo is seen displayed on a smartphone and ... More in the background. (Photo Illustration by Avishek Das/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Although Merck (NYSE:MRK) is confronted with the unavoidable Keytruda patent cliff in 2028, the company is strategically positioning itself for further growth by diversifying and expanding its pipeline. Earlier this month, we highlighted how Keytruda is a ticking time bomb for Merck stock. In this analysis, we explore the potential upside for Merck despite its short-term hurdles. If you are looking for upside with less volatility compared to individual stocks, the Trefis High-Quality portfolio offers an alternative—it has outperformed the S&P 500 and achieved returns over 91% since its inception. Separately, check out – What's Happening With BBAI Stock? Pipeline Depth: $50 Billion in Potential While oncology contributes a significant part to Merck's revenue, its top-selling drug will confront biosimilar challenges after 2028. Nevertheless, Merck is set for substantial growth, with 20 new "blockbuster" drugs under development that collectively possess a sales potential of $50 billion. This strong pipeline indicates a strategic change from the company's dependence on Keytruda, seeking to create varied revenue streams across different therapeutic domains. Several promising candidates are fueling this potential: Recently Launched Drugs and Vaccines: In addition to the pipeline, Merck's relatively recent drugs and vaccines are already making a significant contribution to revenue: This strategic emphasis on a broad and impactful pipeline, alongside the robust performance of new launches, positions Merck for sustainable growth and a decreased reliance on a single product. The figures suggest that Merck's diversification strategy might be effective. If Winrevair meets its peak sales target and the wider pipeline realizes its potential, the company could significantly counterbalance Keytruda's decline and witness sales growth. The timeline is tight—most growth drivers need to materialize before 2028—but the groundwork is established. Also, see – Nektar Therapeutics Is Up 150%: What's Happening With NKTR Stock? Investment Implications Merck's upside potential depends on its capability to execute across several vital areas: successfully moving its pipeline forward, expanding into new regions, and making strategic acquisitions. The company has a demonstrated history of identifying and developing blockbuster drugs, and its current strategy directly addresses its previous dependence on Keytruda. Merck's acquisition strategy clearly reflects its commitment to constructing a portfolio extending beyond oncology. For instance, the recent $680 million acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics enhances its expanding immunotherapy portfolio. Likewise, the Acceleron deal instantly boosted revenue with Winrevair. This tactic of acquiring late-stage assets offers both immediate revenue and long-term growth potential. With a cash reserve exceeding $9 billion, Merck is well-positioned to pursue additional acquisitions that can drive revenue expansion. For investors, this represents a compelling turnaround narrative: a company transitioning effectively from single-drug reliance to diversified growth. The upcoming 12 to 18 months will be pivotal in determining if Merck can fulfill its pipeline commitments and sustain growth momentum past 2028. In addition, look at – What's Happening With Amgen Stock? Valuation and Upside Potential Currently, MRK stock trades at around $80, valuing the company at 3.2 times its trailing revenues. This falls below its three-year average price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 4.4 times, which suggests that investors have likely considered some of the obstacles Merck might encounter beyond 2028, along with near-term worries regarding its Gardasil vaccine. Our dashboard on Merck's valuation ratios provides further insights. While Gardasil is facing temporary challenges in China, sales have risen in every other region. The market pause in China appears to be temporary, providing additional upside as demand stabilizes. If MRK stock were to revert to its historical P/S ratio, it would result in a price exceeding $110, indicating nearly 40% upside potential. This situation with Merck underscores the critical necessity of establishing a resilient investment portfolio that effectively balances risk and reward. Merck's scenario serves as a potent reminder that even highly successful pharmaceutical companies inevitably encounter patent cliffs, which can drastically shift their growth paths. Merck's dependence on Keytruda, while currently its greatest strength, also poses its most substantial near-term risk. Although Merck is strategically addressing this with a pipeline that entails a $50 billion potential, there are significant risks associated with such a transition. Investors must evaluate the company's present strong performance against the certainty of forthcoming challenges, making diversification across multiple stocks essential for managing this type of concentrated risk. Our Trefis High Quality (HQ) portfolio exemplifies this strategy, having significantly outperformed the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000, achieving over 91% returns since its inception. Balancing risk and reward is precisely why diversifying across multiple stocks is vital.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferies Maintains a Buy Rating on Merck & Co. (MRK), Keeps the PT Unchanged
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the 10 Best and Cheap Stocks to Buy Now. On June 18, Akash Tewari, an analyst from Jefferies, maintained the Buy rating on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) with a price target of $138. The positive outlook is based on the stability of the company's vaccine sales and the anticipated launch of a subcutaneous version of Keytruda. There had been some speculations regarding the change in the number of vaccine doses by The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This concerned Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) as a reduction in the number of Gardasil doses could have resulted in lower sales and vaccine revenue. However, analyst Akash Tewari noted that the upcoming ACIP meeting agenda does not include a discussion on HPV vaccine, implying that the speculated change is not coming anytime soon. A close-up of a person's hand holding a bottle of pharmaceuticals. Moreover, Tewari anticipates the sooner-than-expected introduction of a subcutaneous version of Keytruda. The analyst believes that this will enable Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) to capture a greater market share and will drive the company's revenue higher. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is an international healthcare company that develops and sells prescription medicine, vaccines, and animal health products. It operates through two main segments including the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health Segment. While we acknowledge the potential of MRK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
