Latest news with #Merck&Co
Japan Today
16-07-2025
- Health
- Japan Today
Japan discards state-acquired COVID-19 drugs worth ¥240 billion
The government discarded COVID-19 oral medicines believed to be worth around 240 billion yen in the fiscal year through March as they had passed their expiry dates, health ministry officials said Wednesday. While the exact purchase price remains unclear, the value was calculated in accordance with current prices. The amount is enough to treat some 2.5 million people. The government acquired the oral drugs at the height of the coronavirus pandemic and provided them free of charge to hospitals and clinics nationwide. But many of them were unused after COVID-19 was downgraded to the same category as seasonal influenza in May 2023, which required people to pay for COVID-19 treatment. Drugmakers had also started general distribution of COVID-19 medicine in Japan themselves. A Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare official said offering the drugs to other countries was considered but legally difficult. Among the 2 million doses of Pfizer Inc's nirmatrelvir and 1.6 million doses of Merck & Co's molnupiravir procured by the government, about 1.75 million doses of nirmatrelvir and some 780,000 doses of molnupiravir were disposed of, according to the ministry. The government also secured 2 million doses of Shionogi & Co's ensitrelvir but about 1.77 million of them are unused, the ministry said. They are expected to be discarded after they reach their expiration dates starting next fiscal year. © KYODO
Business Insider
15-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Merck Stock (MRK) Bulls Cheer $10Bn Verona Pharma Gamble
Merck & Co. (MRK) is betting on acquisitions to offset the looming revenue loss from the upcoming patent expiration of Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Its latest move— the $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma (VRNA) —adds a promising blockbuster candidate for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a market worth an estimated $23 billion. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. By broadening its pipeline beyond oncology, Merck aims to regain investor confidence, especially as its stock has lagged behind the broader market in recent years. In my view, Merck's latest bet is likely to pay off, making me cautiously Neutral about its stock ahead of Keytruda's 2028 primary U.S. patent expiration date. The 'Keytruda Cliff' Represents Merck's Greatest Challenge Merck's biggest challenge is no secret—the looming patent expiration of Keytruda is the clearest example of the broader 'patent cliff' many pharmaceutical giants face. We're talking about blockbuster drugs generating over $10 billion annually, like Eliquis, Stelara, and Humira. In Merck's case, Keytruda brought in $29.5 billion last year —nearly half of the company's total revenue of $64.17 billion. That level of dependence makes the eventual decline in Keytruda sales a major concern. Given that Keytruda is a biologic, the impact of biosimilar competition tends to be less abrupt than with traditional generics. Analysts expect sales to decline more gradually, potentially falling to around $15 billion within four to five years of the patent's expiration. Still, declining revenue is never a good look for a company, and Merck now faces the critical task of replacing that lost income. One part of Merck's strategy is to introduce a subcutaneous version of pembrolizumab, which offers the convenience of shorter treatment times for both patients and healthcare providers. If it proves to be as effective as the intravenous version, it could gain traction for its ease of use. However, while this could help extend Keytruda's commercial life, it's unlikely to fully bridge the revenue gap. Payers may not be willing to pay a premium for convenience alone, especially once lower-cost biosimilars hit the market. Merck Bets Big on Ohtuvayre as It Looks Beyond Keytruda As part of its broader strategy, Merck is also leaning heavily on acquisitions and promising pipeline assets. Its recent interest in Verona Pharma's Ohtuvayre came as little surprise. Approved by the FDA in June 2024, Ohtuvayre has quickly gained traction. It's considered a 'first-in-class' treatment for COPD, uniquely combining non-steroidal anti-inflammatory effects with bronchodilation in a single molecule—an important innovation, given that many COPD patients continue to struggle with symptoms despite multiple existing therapies. In the first quarter of 2025, Ohtuvayre generated $71.3 million in sales, beating analyst expectations. Forecasts now suggest the drug could achieve peak annual sales of over $4 billion. In addition, it's being explored for other respiratory conditions, including non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and asthma, potentially broadening its commercial impact even further. Further Strategic Acquisitions Bolster Merck's Pipeline Before Verona, Merck had been active in expanding its pulmonary and oncology portfolio. Think back to the $11.5 billion purchase of Acceleron Pharma in 2021 for its pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy, Winrevair. This asset generated $419 million in sales last year. In another example, Merck's more recent $680 million acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics bolstered its immunotherapy pipeline. That's the nature of big pharmaceutical companies like Merck—blockbuster drugs eventually run their course. The real challenge is building a sustainable 'flywheel effect,' where profits from a hit like Keytruda are reinvested into developing the next wave of blockbuster therapies. When internal R&D falls short, companies often turn to acquisitions—but that's typically a more expensive route. For instance, developing a drug like Ohtuvayre in-house would likely have cost Merck a fraction—perhaps less than 10%—of the $10 billion it paid to acquire Verona Pharma. That said, Merck has the financial flexibility to make such moves. With a debt-to-assets ratio near historical lows, the company is well-positioned to pursue strategic investments without overextending itself. Judging by its Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of just 12.2, which trades 55% lower than its sector median (26.98), the market isn't confident in Merck's ability to replace Keytruda. This is, at least in part, owed to Merck's underwhelming near-term revenue growth prospects. Its forward year-over-year revenue growth of 4.4% is 45% lower than the sector median of 8%. Certainly, Merck's ability to resolve these 'growing pains' will determine the future direction of its stock. Is Merck a Buy, Sell, or Hold? On Wall Street, Merck sports a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 10 Buy, seven Hold, and zero Sell ratings in the past three months. MRK's average stock price target of $103.60 implies an upside potential of almost 24% over the next twelve months. Last week, analyst Terence Flynn from Morgan Stanley issued a Hold rating on MRK with a price target of $98. Regarding Ohtuvayre's immediate and long-term impact on Merck's financials, the analyst noted that 'The company expects the acquisition to become accretive to earnings by 2027, and fully accretive by 2028.' The strategic fit of Ohtuvayre within Merck's existing cardio-pulmonary portfolio and the potential for synergies further support the Hold rating, as the long-term benefits are balanced by the short-term financial adjustments required.' Bold $10Bn Bet on Verona Isn't Enough to Dislodge Neutral Outlook Merck's acquisition of Verona Pharma is part of its broader strategy to offset the looming revenue hit from Keytruda's patent expiration. While Ohtuvayre offers a promising blockbuster opportunity with relatively low development risk, it came at a steep price, making the deal something of a double-edged sword, especially since the drug's long-term success is not guaranteed. That said, Merck's current valuation suggests the market may be underestimating its potential. For investors who believe in the upside of recent initiatives—like the launch of subcutaneous pembrolizumab and the addition of Ohtuvayre—this skepticism could represent an opportunity. In the meantime, Merck's solid 3.86% dividend yield offers a cushion if the stock continues to lag. Neutral.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MSD begins Phase III trial of dengue vaccine
Merck & Co (MSD) has initiated the randomised MOBILIZE-1 Phase III trial to assess the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of the investigational quadrivalent vaccine, V181, designed to prevent dengue disease. The disease is caused by any of the four serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. Also referred to as V181-005, the study has started enrolling its first subjects in Singapore. The placebo-controlled, double-blind trial aims to enrol approximately 12,000 healthy individuals aged two to 17 years old. They will be randomised and given either a single dose of the vaccine or a placebo. More than 30 trial sites across dengue endemic regions in the Asia-Pacific, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, are planned to be part of the trial. The trial's primary goal is to determine the efficacy and safety of a single dose of the vaccine in preventing symptomatic virologically confirmed dengue (VCD) of any severity, caused by any dengue serotype, and without consideration of previous dengue exposure. A key secondary efficacy endpoint is the evaluation of V181's ability to prevent symptomatic VCD caused by each serotype. Additional secondary goals of the trial include the assessment of V181 in preventing symptomatic VCD with severe VCD, warning signs, and hospitalisation due to dengue. The live attenuated quadrivalent vaccine is intended to be administered in one dose. MSD Research Laboratories' global clinical development infectious diseases and vaccines senior vice-president Dr Paula Annunziato said: 'Approximately half of the world's population lives in areas with a risk for dengue, making it a serious public health threat. 'The initiation of the MOBILIZE-1 study, the first Phase III trial in our clinical development programme, marks a key milestone in our work to help address this widespread mosquito-borne disease. 'If successful, V181 could provide an important single-dose option for at-risk populations, regardless of previous exposure to dengue, to help reduce the significant burden around the globe.' MSD's investigational KRAS G12C inhibitor has recently shown signs of anti-tumour activity when used both alone and in combination with other oncology drugs. "MSD begins Phase III trial of dengue vaccine" was originally created and published by Clinical Trials Arena, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bristol Myers agrees up to $11.1 billion deal with BioNTech to shake up cancer immunotherapy
Bristol Myers Squibb has agreed to pay up to $11.1 billion to partner with Germany's BioNTech and develop the latter's next-generation cancer immunotherapy, which could take on rival Merck & Co's best-selling drug Keytruda. The deal, which includes $3.5 billion in unconditional payments, underpins BioNTech's ambition to continue a costly long-term focus on experimental cancer treatments and show that its success as Pfizer 's COVID-19 vaccine partner was not a one-off achievement. It also underscores a push across the pharma sector to master a new dual mechanism of action in oncology that activates the immune system - similar to an established drug class including Merck & Co's Keytruda - but which also cuts a tumour's blood supply. BioNTech's German-listed shares surged 16.7% by 1236 GMT to a six-week high. The two companies said in separate statements that the U.S. group will co-develop and co-commercialize BioNTech's drug, BNT327, for multiple solid tumour types. Live Events BioNTech's CEO and co-founder Ugur Sahin said the collaboration will serve "to accelerate and broadly expand BNT327's development to fully realize its potential." The companies said in presentation slides that Bristol Myers was bringing global networks in clinical development and manufacturing to the partnership, among other benefits. BioNTech said in a statement that the partners were seeking to set a new standard of care in the cancer market segment, now dominated by so-called checkpoint inhibitors including Keytruda with $29.5 billion in 2024 sales. Western drugmakers have struck a host of deals to win access to the new drug technology, known as PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibodies, which was pioneered in China. Pfizer last month partnered with China's 3SBio , paying $1.25 billion upfront and up to another $4.8 billion depending on developmental achievements. Merck & Co, whose Keytruda business is under threat from the sector's development push, in November last year licensed an early-stage cancer drug from China-based LaNova Medicines for up to $3.3 billion. "We are now starting to see an industry vote of confidence in the differentiation of this novel mechanism," BMO Capital Markets analysts said in a note. They welcomed BioNTech "partnering with a big pharma name to help manage a broad development plan and potential commercialization". Shares in Instil Bio, which is working with China's ImmuneOnco on a similar compound, soared 24% in U.S. trade on Monday. Summit Therapeutics and China's Akeso have formed another partnership in the development race with a drug candidate called ivonescimab. BioNTech took full ownership of BNT327 through the acquisition of China's Biotheus earlier this year for $800 million upfront and up to $150 million contingent on development achievements. It previously held certain rights in the drug under a 2023 collaboration deal. In addition to an initial payment of $1.5 billion, Bristol plans to pay BioNTech $2 billion in non-contingent anniversary payments through 2028. BioNTech may also earn up to $7.6 billion in development, regulatory and commercial milestones, Bristol said. The companies will share global profits and losses from the drug equally, and joint development and manufacturing costs will also be shared on a 50/50 basis, with some exceptions. BNT327 is being tested as a first-line treatment in extensive stage small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. More than 1,000 patients have been treated with the drug to date. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Global Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market to Hit USD 27.36 Billion by 2032, Fueled by Cancer Prevention Initiatives and Expanding Immunization Coverage
U.S. HPV Vaccine Market to Surpass USD 10.96 Billion by 2032 Amid Strong Government Policies, Widespread Adoption, and Robust Pharmaceutical Innovation Austin, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Market Size & Growth Analysis: According to SNS Insider, The global Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine market is projected to grow from USD 8.14 billion in 2024 to USD 27.36 billion by 2032, at a robust CAGR of 16.38% between 2025 and 2032. This growth is propelled by increasing public awareness of HPV-related cancers, the expansion of vaccination programs, and strong government support a Sample Report of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market@ U.S. Market Outlook In the United States, the HPV vaccine market was valued at USD 3.44 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to USD 10.96 billion by 2032. Key drivers include advanced healthcare infrastructure, government-backed vaccine mandates, and continued innovation from pharmaceutical leaders like Merck & Co. Market Dynamics Global momentum is building as healthcare authorities emphasize HPV prevention in public health agendas. HPV, the most common viral infection linked to cervical and other anogenital cancers, has become a top target for preventive healthcare. With widespread advocacy from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, vaccination rates are steadily increasing, especially among adolescents. Advancements in vaccine formulations—particularly polyvalent vaccines that offer protection against multiple HPV strains—are also contributing to market expansion. Additionally, collaborative efforts between public health agencies and private vaccine manufacturers have significantly improved vaccine accessibility and distribution. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size in 2024 US$ 8.14 billion Market Size by 2032 US$ 27.36 billion CAGR CAGR of 16.38% From 2025 to 2032 Base Year 2024 Forecast Period 2025-2032 Historical Data 2021-2023 Key Segments By Type (Bivalent, Polyvalent) By Disease Indication (HPV Related Cancer, Genital Warts) By Distribution Channel (Hospital & Retail Pharmacies, Government Suppliers, and Others) Segment Highlights By Type: Polyvalent HPV vaccines led the market in 2024, accounting for over 85% of total revenue. Their broad-spectrum protection, exemplified by Merck's Gardasil 9, has made them the preferred choice among healthcare providers globally. This segment is also the fastest-growing, driven by healthcare professionals' growing preference for comprehensive immunization, improved global supply chains, and expanded funding in low- and middle-income countries. By Disease Indication: Vaccination against HPV-related cancers dominated in 2024, holding about 70% of the market share. This is due to increased recognition of the virus's role in cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers. National and international cancer prevention strategies have embraced HPV vaccination as a key intervention. Meanwhile, the genital warts segment is growing rapidly as public health campaigns raise awareness of non-cancerous HPV effects and promote early vaccination. By Distribution Channel: Hospitals and retail pharmacies represented the largest distribution channels in 2024, capturing around 60% of the market. These outlets offer convenient access and are well-integrated into national immunization programs. Pharmacists and healthcare providers play a crucial role in promoting vaccine uptake. Online pharmacies and e-clinics are emerging as the fastest-growing channels, driven by telehealth growth, digital accessibility, and consumer demand for convenience and home-based services. Need Any Customization Research on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market, Enquire Now@ Regional Insights North America remained the dominant market in 2024, supported by strong healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage, and school-based vaccination programs. The presence of major pharmaceutical manufacturers further reinforces regional leadership. The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, fueled by rising awareness, improved healthcare systems, and government-led initiatives. Countries like India, China, and Japan are increasing immunization budgets and implementing widespread campaigns, including India's national cervical cancer vaccination drive. Major Players Analysis Listed in this Report are: Merck & Co. Inc. GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. Sanofi Pasteur SA Pfizer Inc. Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc. Walvax Biotechnology Co. Ltd. Bharat Biotech International Ltd. Johnson & Johnson Services Inc. Moderna Inc. Gilead Sciences Inc. Recent Developments January 2025: Merck faces a USD 8 billion lawsuit over Gardasil, with an active jury trial addressing alleged side effects and product safety. January 2025: GSK discontinued development of its Phase 2 HPV vaccine candidate, citing a lack of competitive advantage and efficacy potential. October 2024: The Indian government partnered with Serum Institute of India to launch Cervavac in a national immunization drive targeting adolescent girls. Buy a Single-User PDF of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market Analysis & Outlook Report 2024-2032@ Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction 2. Executive Summary 3. Research Methodology 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting 6. Competitive Landscape 7. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market by Type 8. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market by Disease Indication 9. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Market by Distribution Channel 10. Regional Analysis 11. Company Profiles 12. Use Cases and Best Practices 13. Conclusion CONTACT: Contact Us: Jagney Dave - Vice President of Client Engagement Phone: +1-315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK)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
