Latest news with #GARDASIL
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
Kennedy's new vaccine adviser was expert witness against Merck vaccine
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attends a Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee hearing on the Department of Health and Human Services budget, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 14, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis One of the new vaccine advisers picked by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has earned thousands of dollars as an expert witness in litigation against Merck's Gardasil vaccine, court records show. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who publicly criticized COVID-era lockdowns, is one of eight new members named by Kennedy on Wednesday to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a highly influential panel that recommends which shots should be administered to the American public. Kennedy fired the entire previous 17-member committee of expert vaccine advisers this week, claiming they were "plagued with persistent conflicts of interest" from financial ties to drugmakers. The departing experts say their work was subjected to rigorous vetting and rules for recusal for any conflict. Kulldorff recently served as an expert witness for plaintiffs who accused Merck of concealing the risks of Gardasil, a vaccine for the prevention of cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). In March, a federal judge in North Carolina ruled in favor of Merck in one of those cases that included about 200 lawsuits. At a deposition in October, Kulldorff testified that the plaintiffs paid him $400 an hour and he had already billed for about $33,000 in legal work on the case through late September. He said he also received a $4,000 retainer in the North Carolina case, according to court documents. Kulldorff is also listed as an expert witness in a similar case pending against Merck in Los Angeles state court, records show. Under ACIP's rules, committee members cannot serve as a "paid litigation consultant or expert witness in litigation involving a vaccine manufacturer" during their tenure on the panel. Prior work as an expert witness against drugmakers may require a waiver from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recusal from votes involving Merck and HPV vaccines. The agency has said in its rules it "will generally consider issuance of waivers in specific situations." Kulldorff and plaintiffs lawyers in the Merck case did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Merck declined to comment. A spokesman for Kennedy's Health and Human Services Department said on Wednesday that "all newly appointed ACIP members were thoroughly vetted." HHS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Kulldorff. KENNEDY AND GARDASIL Before joining the Trump administration, Kennedy was a longtime plaintiffs' lawyer and played an instrumental role in organizing mass litigation against Merck over its Gardasil vaccine, which brought in sales of $8.58 billion in 2024. The shot is recommended as a routine immunization for 11 and 12-year-olds by the CDC to prevent cervical and certain head and neck cancers caused by the virus. Kennedy's work on the Gardasil case drew attention from Congress during the confirmation process for health secretary. Kennedy said he would divest his financial interest in that litigation to his non-dependent, adult son. In a post on X, Kennedy praised Kulldorff as a "leading expert in vaccine safety and infectious disease surveillance." He also cited his previous service as a government adviser, including on a vaccine safety subgroup assisting the full ACIP board. Kulldorff gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration in October 2020, which called on public health officials to roll back lockdowns, arguing they were causing irreparable harm. One of his co-authors was Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who now serves under Kennedy as National Institutes of Health director. Kulldorff wrote a 29-page report on Gardasil that was filed on January 6 in the North Carolina case. His conclusion was that Merck had "not done an appropriate job evaluating potential safety problems" related to the shot. He also highlighted his prior service on ACIP's vaccine safety working groups. Gardasil was approved in the U.S. in 2006 after going through clinical trials to prove its safety and efficacy. "I have served on two CDC ACIP vaccine safety working groups, concerning the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) and COVID vaccines," Kulldorff wrote. He also wrote in his litigation report that he developed some of the methods that are used "by FDA and CDC in their routine post-market vaccine safety surveillance work." REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck (NYSE:MRK) Declares US$0.81 Dividend for Q3 2025 Payout
Merck recently announced a third-quarter dividend affirmation of $0.81 per share, underscoring its commitment to returning value to shareholders. Over the past week, the company's stock remained essentially flat with a slight move of 0.49%. The dividend news likely provided support amid broader market conditions, where major U.S. indexes, including the Dow Jones and S&P 500, also showed little directional change, as investors awaited significant tech earnings reports like Nvidia's. Overall, Merck's dividend affirmation was a positive highlight in a largely stable trading period for the markets. We've identified 1 warning sign for Merck that you should be aware of. Diversify your portfolio with solid dividend payers offering reliable income streams to weather potential market turbulence. The affirmation of Merck's dividend at $0.81 per share underscores its focus on shareholder returns, aligning with the company's strategic goals of driving earnings growth through its expanding product pipeline. This dividend news is a positive sign for investors, particularly as Merck plans to launch over 20 new growth drivers with blockbuster potential, potentially boosting future revenues and supporting earnings improvement. While the stock has shown minimal movement recently, maintaining a flat trajectory over the past week, the dividend could contribute positively to investor sentiment as the company confronts challenges such as declining GARDASIL sales and potential tariff impacts. Over the longer term, Merck's total shareholder return, including share price appreciation and dividends, was 17.35% over the past five years. During the past year, however, Merck's performance lagged behind the US Market, which returned 11.3%. Looking ahead, despite these near-term challenges, the company's investments in R&D and its robust pipeline aim to sustain its market leadership, which could influence future revenue and earnings forecasts. Current market assessments suggest Merck's fair value is higher than its present share price, with a consensus price target of approximately US$101.91, representing a potential upside from its US$79.04 closing price. Analysts expect this growth trajectory to unfold over the coming years, provided the company achieves the revenue and earnings targets outlined in recent forecasts. Investors should consider these factors when evaluating Merck's potential in the current market environment. Get an in-depth perspective on Merck's performance by reading our balance sheet health report here. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:MRK. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck (NYSE:MRK) Showcases Broad Cancer Research Portfolio At ASCO Annual Meeting
Merck is set to showcase significant research advancements, including updates on its KEYTRUDA indications at the upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting, which could enhance its oncology footprint. However, the company experienced a 3% decline in its share price last week, during a period when broader market indices, led by tech gains, posted positive returns. Despite this decline, Merck's ongoing initiatives in cancer treatment and digital health technologies signal sustained efforts against industry headwinds and regulatory challenges. The market's rally, driven by positive economic developments, provided some broader context for Merck's price movement, though it diverged from the overall upward trend. We've identified 1 possible red flag for Merck that you should be aware of. AI is about to change healthcare. These 24 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. The recent news surrounding Merck's showcase of research advancements, particularly updates on KEYTRUDA at the ASCO Annual Meeting, might provide a boost to the company's oncology segment. Such updates could positively affect revenue and enhance earnings forecasts, despite the immediate past week's share price decline of 3%. Analysts project a consistent revenue growth rate of 4.4% annually over the next three years, emphasizing Merck's commitment to expanding its product pipeline and addressing current challenges such as declining GARDASIL sales and competitive market pressures. Over a longer five-year period, Merck's total shareholder return, which includes both share price appreciation and dividends, stood at 20.82%. This growth indicates the company's capacity to provide long-term value to its investors. However, this performance contrasts with the more recent one-year timeframe where Merck underperformed the US Pharmaceuticals industry, which experienced a 10% decline. The divergence highlights the importance of considering different time frames when assessing performance. Regarding prices, Merck's current share price of US$79.04 represents a 24.7% discount to the consensus price target of approximately US$105. This suggests potential room for upward movement if future earnings, driven by new product launches and strategic investments, align with analyst expectations. Current forecasts estimate earnings to grow from US$17.43 billion to US$24.6 billion by May 2028, with ongoing investments in R&D and manufacturing expected to support this trajectory. Such developments, coupled with robust oncology initiatives, may position Merck well against industry headwinds and regulatory challenges. Examine Merck's earnings growth report to understand how analysts expect it to perform. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:MRK. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ 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
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck (NYSE:MRK) Showcases Broad Cancer Research Portfolio At ASCO Annual Meeting
Merck is set to showcase significant research advancements, including updates on its KEYTRUDA indications at the upcoming ASCO Annual Meeting, which could enhance its oncology footprint. However, the company experienced a 3% decline in its share price last week, during a period when broader market indices, led by tech gains, posted positive returns. Despite this decline, Merck's ongoing initiatives in cancer treatment and digital health technologies signal sustained efforts against industry headwinds and regulatory challenges. The market's rally, driven by positive economic developments, provided some broader context for Merck's price movement, though it diverged from the overall upward trend. We've identified 1 possible red flag for Merck that you should be aware of. AI is about to change healthcare. These 24 stocks are working on everything from early diagnostics to drug discovery. The best part - they are all under $10b in market cap - there's still time to get in early. The recent news surrounding Merck's showcase of research advancements, particularly updates on KEYTRUDA at the ASCO Annual Meeting, might provide a boost to the company's oncology segment. Such updates could positively affect revenue and enhance earnings forecasts, despite the immediate past week's share price decline of 3%. Analysts project a consistent revenue growth rate of 4.4% annually over the next three years, emphasizing Merck's commitment to expanding its product pipeline and addressing current challenges such as declining GARDASIL sales and competitive market pressures. Over a longer five-year period, Merck's total shareholder return, which includes both share price appreciation and dividends, stood at 20.82%. This growth indicates the company's capacity to provide long-term value to its investors. However, this performance contrasts with the more recent one-year timeframe where Merck underperformed the US Pharmaceuticals industry, which experienced a 10% decline. The divergence highlights the importance of considering different time frames when assessing performance. Regarding prices, Merck's current share price of US$79.04 represents a 24.7% discount to the consensus price target of approximately US$105. This suggests potential room for upward movement if future earnings, driven by new product launches and strategic investments, align with analyst expectations. Current forecasts estimate earnings to grow from US$17.43 billion to US$24.6 billion by May 2028, with ongoing investments in R&D and manufacturing expected to support this trajectory. Such developments, coupled with robust oncology initiatives, may position Merck well against industry headwinds and regulatory challenges. Examine Merck's earnings growth report to understand how analysts expect it to perform. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:MRK. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
MERCK ALERT: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is Investigating Merck & Co., Inc. on Behalf of Long-Term Stockholders and Encourages Investors to Contact the Firm
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized shareholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) on behalf of long-term stockholders following a class action complaint that was filed against Merck on February 12, 2025 with a Class Period from February 3, 2022, to February 3, 2025. Our investigation concerns whether the board of directors of Merck have breached their fiduciary duties to the company. The Merck class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) defendants created the false impression that they possessed reliable information pertaining to Merck's projected revenue outlook and anticipated growth of Gardasil while also minimizing risk from competition and drug approval development, such as China's approval to shift Gardasil to a 2-dose regimen; (ii) in truth, Merck's optimistic reports of growth, claims of successful consumer activation and education in China, overall ability to drive demand, and efforts to downplay the impact of competition on Gardasil fell short of the reality; and (iii) Merck's ability to push Gardasil in China had materially diminished. The Merck class action lawsuit further alleges that on July 30, 2024, Merck revealed that in the second quarter of 2024 'there was a significant step down in shipments from our distributor and commercialization partner, Zhifei, into the points of vaccination, compared with prior quarters, resulting in above normal inventory levels at Zhifei.' On this news, the price of Merck stock fell nearly 10%, according to the complaint. Then, on February 4, 2025, the Merck class action lawsuit alleges that Merck published its fourth quarter fiscal year 2024 results, disclosing that 'GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9 Sales Declined 3% to $8.6 Billion; Excluding the Impact of Foreign Exchange, Sales Declined 2%" 'primarily due to lower demand in China, partially offset by higher demand in most international regions, particularly in Japan.' On this news, the price of Merck stock fell more than 9%, according to the complaint. If you are a long-term stockholder of Merck, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at [email protected], by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form. There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook, and keep up with other news by following Brandon Walker, Esq. on LinkedIn and X. Contact Information: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Brandon Walker, Esq. Marion Passmore, Esq. (212) 355-4648 [email protected]
