Latest news with #HansohPharma
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Is This Stock a Buy After Acquiring a Potential Zepbound Competitor?
Shares of Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) have declined this year due to issues with one of its former growth drivers, Eylea, a medicine that treats wet age-related macular degeneration. The therapy is facing stiff competition, biosimilar and otherwise, that is eating into its market share. However, Regeneron is constantly looking for its next billion-dollar medicine. And a recent deal it made with a smaller drugmaker helped it beef up its pipeline by acquiring an asset in the hottest therapeutic area right now: weight management. Is Regeneron stock a buy now? Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue » Going up against a giant Regeneron signed a deal with China-based Hansoh Pharma for HS-20094, an investigational, late-stage anti-obesity asset. Per the terms of the agreement, Regeneron will pay an upfront amount of $80 million, with potential clinical and regulatory milestones of up to $1.93 billion, in addition to royalties on future sales. HS-20094 mimics the action of two gut hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. The only approved medicine that does that is Zepbound, the weight loss therapy marketed by Eli Lilly. Zepbound has been a major hit, with incredibly fast-growing sales. Could HS-20094 become similarly successful? The fact that it's in the same class as Zepbound hardly guarantees so, but, according to Regeneron, the medicine has been tested in over 1,000 patients and has shown a potential similar to Zepbound. It is currently undergoing a Phase 3 clinical trial for obesity and a Phase 2 study for diabetes. Results that are, in fact, on par with Zepbound might jolt Regeneron's share price. This isn't the only attempt by Regeneron to enter the weight loss market. The biotech company has been working on ways to address one drawback of anti-obesity medicines: muscle loss. It recently announced top-line data in patients taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in the weight loss drug Wegovy) and trevogrumab, a medicine developed to address muscle atrophy. The trial showed that about 35% of weight loss due to semaglutide comes from lean muscle mass, but combining it with trevogrumab could help retain muscle mass while helping patients lose fat instead. Does this make Regeneron a buy? If HS-20094 becomes nearly as successful as Zepbound, the $80 million Regeneron paid -- and the $1.93 billion in milestones -- would represent quite the bargain. However, it is too early to celebrate. Despite Regeneron's confidence in this asset, many weight management candidates in the pharmaceutical industry have flopped. That's the nature of developing novel drugs. Most will never reach the market. But the fact that HS-20094 has reached late-stage studies is a good sign. And at any rate, this move does not make Regeneron less attractive. There are, however, other reasons to buy the stock. Regeneron is mitigating Eylea-related losses with a new, high-definition (HD) version of the medicine, which will continue to attract patients away from the old version due to its more convenient dosing schedule. In the first quarter, total U.S. sales of Eylea and Eylea HD dropped by 26% year over year to $1.04 billion, but revenue from the latter increased by 54% year over year to $307 million. Eylea HD should also earn some label expansions. Meanwhile, Regeneron's other growth driver is Dupixent, a medicine for eczema. It shares the rights to Dupixent with Sanofi. In the first quarter, Dupixent's sales came in at $3.67 billion, up 19% compared to the year-ago period. The therapy won an indication in treating COPD last year, so expect its revenue to continue moving in the right direction for a while. Regeneron's total sales in the first quarter dropped by 4% year over year to $3 billion. However, as Eylea HD gains ground, including with new indications, Dupixent continues to make headway, and the biotech earns new products, including those in oncology, it should eventually start growing its sales again. Regeneron's work in weight management could, eventually, contribute to that. So, despite its recent headwinds, the stock still looks attractive. Should you invest $1,000 in Regeneron Pharmaceuticals right now? Before you buy stock in Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $657,871!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $875,479!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor 's total average return is998% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to174%for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is This Stock a Buy After Acquiring a Potential Zepbound Competitor?
Regeneron acquired a promising weight management asset that could become lucrative. This investigational medicine helps beef up the biotech's already exciting pipeline. There are also several other reasons to invest in the stock. 10 stocks we like better than Regeneron Pharmaceuticals › Shares of Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) have declined this year due to issues with one of its former growth drivers, Eylea, a medicine that treats wet age-related macular degeneration. The therapy is facing stiff competition, biosimilar and otherwise, that is eating into its market share. However, Regeneron is constantly looking for its next billion-dollar medicine. And a recent deal it made with a smaller drugmaker helped it beef up its pipeline by acquiring an asset in the hottest therapeutic area right now: weight management. Is Regeneron stock a buy now? Regeneron signed a deal with China-based Hansoh Pharma for HS-20094, an investigational, late-stage anti-obesity asset. Per the terms of the agreement, Regeneron will pay an upfront amount of $80 million, with potential clinical and regulatory milestones of up to $1.93 billion, in addition to royalties on future sales. HS-20094 mimics the action of two gut hormones: GLP-1 and GIP. The only approved medicine that does that is Zepbound, the weight loss therapy marketed by Eli Lilly. Zepbound has been a major hit, with incredibly fast-growing sales. Could HS-20094 become similarly successful? The fact that it's in the same class as Zepbound hardly guarantees so, but, according to Regeneron, the medicine has been tested in over 1,000 patients and has shown a potential similar to Zepbound. It is currently undergoing a Phase 3 clinical trial for obesity and a Phase 2 study for diabetes. Results that are, in fact, on par with Zepbound might jolt Regeneron's share price. This isn't the only attempt by Regeneron to enter the weight loss market. The biotech company has been working on ways to address one drawback of anti-obesity medicines: muscle loss. It recently announced top-line data in patients taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in the weight loss drug Wegovy) and trevogrumab, a medicine developed to address muscle atrophy. The trial showed that about 35% of weight loss due to semaglutide comes from lean muscle mass, but combining it with trevogrumab could help retain muscle mass while helping patients lose fat instead. If HS-20094 becomes nearly as successful as Zepbound, the $80 million Regeneron paid -- and the $1.93 billion in milestones -- would represent quite the bargain. However, it is too early to celebrate. Despite Regeneron's confidence in this asset, many weight management candidates in the pharmaceutical industry have flopped. That's the nature of developing novel drugs. Most will never reach the market. But the fact that HS-20094 has reached late-stage studies is a good sign. And at any rate, this move does not make Regeneron less attractive. There are, however, other reasons to buy the stock. Regeneron is mitigating Eylea-related losses with a new, high-definition (HD) version of the medicine, which will continue to attract patients away from the old version due to its more convenient dosing schedule. In the first quarter, total U.S. sales of Eylea and Eylea HD dropped by 26% year over year to $1.04 billion, but revenue from the latter increased by 54% year over year to $307 million. Eylea HD should also earn some label expansions. Meanwhile, Regeneron's other growth driver is Dupixent, a medicine for eczema. It shares the rights to Dupixent with Sanofi. In the first quarter, Dupixent's sales came in at $3.67 billion, up 19% compared to the year-ago period. The therapy won an indication in treating COPD last year, so expect its revenue to continue moving in the right direction for a while. Regeneron's total sales in the first quarter dropped by 4% year over year to $3 billion. However, as Eylea HD gains ground, including with new indications, Dupixent continues to make headway, and the biotech earns new products, including those in oncology, it should eventually start growing its sales again. Regeneron's work in weight management could, eventually, contribute to that. So, despite its recent headwinds, the stock still looks attractive. Before you buy stock in Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $657,871!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $875,479!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 998% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 174% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 9, 2025 Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Eli Lilly. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is This Stock a Buy After Acquiring a Potential Zepbound Competitor? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Regeneron Expands Clinical-Stage Obesity Portfolio with Strategic In-Licensing of Novel Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist
New licensing agreement with Hansoh Pharma provides Regeneron with HS-20094, a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist in advanced stages of clinical development in China Phase 2 data suggest potentially similar profile to the only FDA-approved GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist Key complementary asset enables synergy and flexibility across Regeneron's broad pipeline of obesity and metabolic programs focused on improved quality of weight loss, co-morbidities and long-term health TARRYTOWN, N.Y., June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) today announced a strategic in-licensing agreement with Hansoh Pharmaceuticals Group Company Limited ('Hansoh') to acquire exclusive clinical development and commercial rights outside of the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau for a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist currently in Phase 3 testing. This novel therapeutic candidate (HS-20094) – studied in over 1,000 patients and administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection – has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety clinical data, suggesting a potentially similar profile to the only FDA-approved GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. A Phase 3 trial in obesity in China and Phase 2b study in diabetes are ongoing. Under the terms of the agreement, Regeneron will make an upfront payment to Hansoh of $80 million, with potential additional payments of up to $1.93 billion for achievement of development, regulatory and sales milestones. Future potential royalties for global net sales outside of the designated territories would be in the low double digits. 'Regeneron is committed to advancing better obesity treatments by enhancing quality of weight loss,' said George Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Regeneron. 'Despite the transformative impact of recent weight loss therapies, significant unmet needs remain, including the ability to sustain weight loss and maintain muscle mass over time. Securing access to a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist will increase the versatility of our clinical programs for obesity and accelerate our mission to support quality, sustained weight loss and the associated long-term health benefits.' 'In-licensing a late-stage GLP1/GIP agonist will allow us to study combinations with Regeneron's proprietary drugs and drug candidates in order to holistically address muscle loss and potentially other comorbidities of obesity, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and liver conditions,' said Boaz Hirshberg, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, Internal Medicine at Regeneron. 'This is an exciting development in our obesity work at Regeneron, which also includes the muscle-sparing Phase 2 COURAGE study investigating the addition of trevogrumab, our GDF8 antibody to semaglutide, with and without garetosmab, our anti-activin antibody. Interim data from this study was announced earlier today.' This agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory agency clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 in the United States. About Regeneron in Obesity Obesity is a complex, multifaceted disease and a growing public health concern that affects more than a billion people worldwide. Despite the revolutionary impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on weight loss, the quality of this weight loss can be negatively impacted because these agents can cause profound muscle loss. Moreover, a high percentage of patients cycle on and off treatment – and while off treatment they can regain almost all of the weight lost, but mostly in the form of fat, leaving them with negatively altered body composition. At Regeneron, we are developing a pipeline focused on the quality of weight reduction. We have several independent approaches focused on promoting and preserving muscle during weight loss, so as to increase the amount of fat loss since adiposity is the principal driver of comorbidities and metabolic diseases associated with obesity. In addition, Regeneron has an extensive pipeline of agents to address some of these co-morbidities and metabolic diseases, which have the potential to be combined with GLP-1RAs. The combination of our science, pipeline, research and clinical innovation uniquely positions us to make a meaningful difference in obesity and obesity-related diseases. About Regeneron Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to numerous approved treatments and product candidates in development, most of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, neurological diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases and rare diseases. Regeneron pushes the boundaries of scientific discovery and accelerates drug development using our proprietary technologies, such as VelociSuite®, which produces optimized fully human antibodies and new classes of bispecific antibodies. We are shaping the next frontier of medicine with data-powered insights from the Regeneron Genetics Center® and pioneering genetic medicine platforms, enabling us to identify innovative targets and complementary approaches to potentially treat or cure diseases. For more information, please visit or follow Regeneron on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook or X. Forward-Looking Statements and Use of Digital MediaThis press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ('Regeneron' or the 'Company'), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as 'anticipate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'believe,' 'seek,' 'estimate,' variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements concern, and these risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to Regeneron's in-licensing agreement with Hansoh Pharmaceuticals Group Company Limited ('Hansoh') to acquire exclusive clinical development and commercial rights outside of China for HS-20094 (a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist) as discussed in this press release (the 'In-Licensing Transaction'); the likelihood and timing of the closing of the In-Licensing Transaction, including the possibility that the applicable closing conditions for the In-Licensing Transaction may not be satisfied or waived (such as regulatory approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976); risks related to Regeneron's ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the In-Licensing Transaction, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the In-Licensing Transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; significant transaction costs and unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the In-Licensing Transaction; the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, 'Regeneron's Products') and product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, 'Regeneron Product Candidates') and research and clinical programs now underway or planned, including without limitation the planned clinical programs investigating HS-20094 in combination with other Regeneron Product Candidates to address muscle loss and other comorbidities of obesity (such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and liver conditions) as discussed in this press release as well as Regeneron's other clinical programs focused on the quality of weight reduction (such as the clinical program investigating the addition of trevogrumab to semaglutide, with and without garetosmab) referenced in this press release; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron or others and whether mandated or voluntary), including the studies discussed or referenced in this press release, on any of the foregoing or any potential regulatory approval of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates (such as those referenced above); the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regeneron Product Candidates and new indications for Regeneron's Products, such as those referenced above; the ability of Regeneron's collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates; the ability of Regeneron to manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates and risks associated with tariffs and other trade restrictions; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates (such as those referenced above) in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates in clinical trials; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regeneron's ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates; ongoing regulatory obligations and oversight impacting Regeneron's Products, research and clinical programs, and business, including those relating to patient privacy; the availability and extent of reimbursement or copay assistance for Regeneron's Products from third-party payors and other third parties, including private payor healthcare and insurance programs, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit management companies, and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; coverage and reimbursement determinations by such payors and other third parties and new policies and procedures adopted by such payors and other third parties; changes in laws, regulations, and policies affecting the healthcare industry; competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regeneron's Products and Regeneron Product Candidates (including biosimilar versions of Regeneron's Products); unanticipated expenses; the costs of developing, producing, and selling products; the ability of Regeneron to meet any of its financial projections or guidance and changes to the assumptions underlying those projections or guidance; the potential for any license, collaboration, or supply agreement, including Regeneron's agreements with Sanofi and Bayer (or their respective affiliated companies, as applicable) and Regeneron's agreement with Hansoh as discussed in this press release, to be cancelled or terminated; the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics on Regeneron's business; and risks associated with litigation and other proceedings and government investigations relating to the Company and/or its operations (including the pending civil proceedings initiated or joined by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts), risks associated with intellectual property of other parties and pending or future litigation relating thereto (including without limitation the patent litigation and other related proceedings relating to EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection), the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings and investigations, and the impact any of the foregoing may have on Regeneron's business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regeneron's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statements are made based on management's current beliefs and judgment, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron. Regeneron does not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Regeneron uses its media and investor relations website and social media outlets to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Regeneron is routinely posted and is accessible on Regeneron's media and investor relations website ( and its LinkedIn page ( Contacts:Media Relations Mary HeatherMedia@ Investor RelationsRyan CroweInvest@ 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
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TiumBio and Daewon Pharmaceutical Successfully Complete Phase 2 Clinical Trial of 'Merigolix (TU2670
Primary Endpoint Met: Statistically significant reduction in heavy menstrual bleeding achieved in all dosage of Merigolix groups compared to placebo Broader Therapeutic Potential: Positive Phase 2 results in both uterine fibroids and endometriosis could place Merigolix as a strong best-in-class candidate for novel drug approval and global licensing opportunities Multi-Indication Development: Clinical trials are underway for three indications enhancing the asset value-uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and assisted reproductive technology (ART), the latter in collaboration with Hansoh Pharma in China SEONGNAM, South Korea, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TiumBio (KRX: a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics for patients with rare and incurable disease, today announced that Merigolix (code name: TU2670, Daewon's code name: DW4902) has successfully met the primary endpoint of reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in a Phase 2 clinical trial for uterine fibroids. In this trial, Merigolix demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all dosage groups compared to placebo in patients with uterine fibroids. Merigolix is an investigational, once-daily, oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist. Unlike traditional GnRH agonists, which require injection and often lead to an initial hormone surge, Merigolix offers a more patient-friendly oral administration without an initial hormonal flare, providing a faster onset of action and improved treatment adherence. The Phase 2 clinical trial of Merigolix in uterine fibroids was conducted by TiumBio's partner, Daewon Pharmaceutical, and enrolled a total of 71 women diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Participants were randomly assigned to receive high, medium, or low doses of Merigolix, or placebo, administered orally once daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period. The results showed that Merigolix led to statistically significant improvements in heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)—a validated clinical endpoint—across all dosage groups compared to the placebo. In addition to the primary endpoint, Merigolix demonstrated statistically and clinically meaningful improvements in several key secondary endpoints, including fibroid size reduction, increased hemoglobin levels (indicating improved anemia), and relief of pelvic pain. The safety and tolerability profile of Merigolix was consistent with prior clinical data, with no new safety signs. The mechanism of action of Merigolix can be used in various disorders, including endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ART, precocious puberty, and prostate cancer. Notably, in a separate Phase 2 clinical trial for endometriosis completed in 2024, Merigolix also showed excellent therapeutic efficacy and safety, further reinforcing its potential as a promising new treatment.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Merck Stock a Bargain Buy?
Merck (NYSE: MRK) is a top healthcare company with one of the best drugs ever made in its portfolio: Keytruda. While there are concerns about its patent losses in the future, its sales are still growing. And the company has been working on ways to try and extend its growth into new areas. Plus, other drugs could generate billions more in the future. Despite this potential, the stock has fallen by 25% in the past 12 months -- so is it a bargain buy right now? During the last three months of 2024, Merck achieved solid 9% revenue growth (excluding the impact of foreign currency), with its top line hitting $15.6 billion. A big part of that was Keytruda, which brought in $7.8 billion on its own, as it achieved an organic growth rate of 21%. There has been an increase in demand for the drug, as it can help patients battle multiple types of cancers. But while its growth has been impressive, the risk is also evident. The drug accounted for half of the company's sales last quarter. Merck is hoping that a new subcutaneous version of the drug (it's currently administered intravenously) could help offset the loss of sales, as its key patent expires in 2028. A new version could have patent protection until 2040, and perhaps even beyond that. The big question is, even if successful, whether many patients will opt for the new form of treatment, which may be more convenient, since it wouldn't need to be administered in a hospital setting. But at a lower price, patients may still prefer generic or biosimilar versions of the IV form for the sheer cost savings. It seems inevitable that Keytruda's sales will decline; it's really a question of how much and how quickly. Although Keytruda is a huge part of its business, Merck does have other products that can also generate billions in revenue in the future. Gardasil, its vaccine for the human papillomavirus (HPV), may generate $11 billion in revenue by 2030, according to the company's estimates. Demand has, however, been a bit underwhelming of late, particularly in China, which is a key market for the vaccine. But if you believe the company's projections, there could be a few more billion dollars in revenue from this product alone; Gardasil's sales totaled $8.6 billion last year. An even more promising blockbuster drug may be Winrevair, which the Food and Drug Administration approved last year as a treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension. Analysts believe that it may generate $6 billion in sales by 2029, and that it could also peak at $11 billion. Given that is in its early growth stages, this may have the largest impact on Merck's top line in the years ahead. The company has also secured the rights to an experimental weight loss drug for up to $2 billion from Chinese healthcare company Hansoh Pharma. Given how massive the obesity drug market could be, topping $100 billion and more in the future, having an approved weight loss pill could also rake in billions for Merck down the road. While this is more of a long shot at this stage, it's an intriguing development for investors to monitor. Merck's stock has been mired in bad news, with concerns around Keytruda and Gardasil's underwhelming performance weighing on its valuation. But to its credit, management is making moves that could offset potential declines in revenue in the future. And with multiple years still to go before Keytruda loses patent protection, all hope is not lost, not by a mile. The healthcare stock is trading at a fairly modest 14 times its trailing earnings, and it offers a good margin of safety for investors willing to take a chance on the business. A lot of downside risk is effectively priced into the stock today, which is why it could make for a compelling buy. While there is some uncertainty around Merck, I find the company's pipeline promising, and I think the moves management is making are encouraging ones. And at a cheap price tag, this could indeed prove to be a bargain buy years from now. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you'll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a 'Double Down' stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you're worried you've already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it's too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you'd have $312,980!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you'd have $42,421!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you'd have $537,825!* Right now, we're issuing 'Double Down' alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon.*Stock Advisor returns as of March 24, 2025 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Merck. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Merck Stock a Bargain Buy? was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
