Merck stock rises as its cancer strategy gets personal

Merck opened a €300M bioprocessing centre in Daejeon, South Korea, its largest Life Science investment in Asia-Pacific. The 44,500 sq m site expands regional manufacturing capacity for biologic medicines, offering products like cell culture media and process liquids. The facility aims for sustainability with solar power and energy-efficient systems, supporting Merck's in-region-for-region strategy.

Merck (MRK) will present new HIV treatment and prevention data at HIV Glasgow 2026, including Phase 3 results for IDVYNSO and investigational regimens. The FDA has accepted supplemental applications for IDVYNSO, with a target action date of April 22, 2027.

Merck's (MRK) IDVYNSO HIV drug applications received FDA acceptance with an April 22, 2027 action date. The company will present HIV portfolio data at HIV Glasgow 2026. IDVYNSO is already approved for virologically suppressed adults in the U.S.

Merck completed adult enrollment in two trials for its investigational monthly HIV-prevention pill, alimatravir. The company presented data on various HIV treatments, including once-daily and once-weekly oral regimens, at the HIV Glasgow conference. Key data include Phase 3 subgroup analyses and patient-reported outcomes for IDVYNSO and islatravir/lenacapavir (ISL/LEN). Merck aims to expand HIV treatment and prevention options.

Merck, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and AstraZeneca allegedly paid millions in bonuses to Russian distributors, including R-Pharm, which faces corruption allegations. Whistleblower reports claim these payments may have facilitated kickbacks to officials for cancer drug contracts, potentially violating the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The companies have not publicly addressed the allegations.

Merck and Moderna's mRNA vaccine, tailored to patients' genetic profiles, reduced melanoma recurrence by 42% in a phase 3 trial when combined with immunotherapy. The vaccine, called intismeran, targets neoantigens in tumor cells, training the immune system to attack them. The study involved 1137 patients, with 82% of those receiving the vaccine and immunotherapy surviving without recurrence after two years, compared to 70% with immunotherapy alone.