MRNA - Merck Reports Progress On The Cancer Front As It Prepares For Keytruda Patent Expiration | Benzinga
After topping expectations with first quarter revenue and adjusted earnings last week, Merck & Co Inc (NYSE: MRK) just reported encouraging data from its Phase III gastric cancer treatment trial after ending 2023 with good news from its combined treatment with Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) in fighting melanoma.
Merck reported improvement in cancer patients receiving its Keytruda regimen.
Enrolling 698 subjects, the trial evaluated the effect of a treatment that combines Merck’s immunotherapy blockbuster, Keytruda, along with trastuzumab and chemotherapy on patients suffering from gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. The final also confirmed that Merck’s Keytruda combination regimen led to a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement, meeting the dual primary endpoint of overall survival.
Merck reported strong first quarter results.
With strong sales of its blockbuster immune-based cancer drug, Keytruda, along with vaccine products, Merck reported revenue rose 9% YoY to $15.78 billion, surpassing LSEG’s estimate of $15.20 billion. Net income for the first three months of the year amounted to $4.76 billion, or $1.87 per share. Excluding acquisitions and restructuring costs, adjusted earnings amounted to $2.07 per share, surpassing $1.88 per share that ...