Merck Animal Health To Acquire TARGAN To Expand Poultry Technology Portfolio

Healthcare stocks moved on multiple FDA and EU updates. Novartis (NVS) won FDA approval for Fabhalta in IgA nephropathy; Merck (MRK) got FDA nod for LIPFENDRA and KEYTRUDA+Padcev in bladder cancer; Novo Nordisk (NVO) received EU approval for oral Wegovy. Lilly (LLY) agreed to buy AtaiBeckley for $6.75/share plus up to $2.50 CVR.

The FDA approved Merck’s once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor Lipfendra (enlicitide decanoate) for adults with high LDL cholesterol, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, after Phase 3 CORALreef results showed about 56% to 59% LDL-C reductions vs placebo. The approval may affect PCSK9 injectable sales and formulary decisions for Amgen and UnitedHealth. Merck Q1 2026 revenue was $16.29B (+4.9% YoY).

MSD (Merck & Co) received FDA approval for Lipfendra, a cholesterol pill, as it prepares for Keytruda’s US patent expiry in late 2028 and subsequent losses elsewhere. Keytruda peak sales were $31.7bn in 2025. Citi said Lipfendra supports MSD’s cardiometabolic diversification. The article also notes CETP drug obicetrapib findings.

AI-related stocks and chipmakers fell, weighing on global markets. The S&P 500 fell 0.5%, the Dow slipped 0.2%, and the Nasdaq dropped 1.5%. Abbott rose 10.7% after beating profit and raising its full-year forecast, while J.B. Hunt gained 8% after topping quarterly expectations. The FDA approved Merck’s PCSK9-blocking cholesterol pill Lipfendra.

The FDA approved Merck’s daily cholesterol pill enlicitide, branded Lipfendra, which inhibits PCSK9. Merck said trials showed LDL reductions to 50 to 60 or lower, versus typical untreated levels above 100, and no side-effect differences vs placebo. List price is $315 for 30 days. PCSK9 inhibitors can cut heart-attack risk by about 20% in high-risk patients.

Stocks fell Thursday as chip shares extended losses after earnings. The Dow slipped 0.2% to 52,552, the S&P 500 fell 0.5% to 7,533, and the Nasdaq dropped 1.5% to 25,881. Merck (MRK) rose 3.3% after FDA approval of its daily cholesterol pill. UnitedHealth (UNH) gained 1.2% on a beat-and-raise. Taiwan Semi (TSM) fell 2.3% despite higher Q2 results and $60B-$64B capex guidance. Eli Lilly (LLY) agreed to buy AtaiBeckley (ATAI) for $2.8B cash plus $1B milestones.