Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck) reported a robust financial performance in the third quarter of 2024, with worldwide sales reaching $16.7 billion, a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales grew by 7%. The U.S. market saw a 13% rise in sales, contributing significantly to the overall growth. The oncology franchise, particularly Keytruda and Welireg, drove the sales increase, along with the cardiovascular franchise's new launch, Winrevair. However, sales were partially offset by declines in the diabetes and virology franchises, with Januvia and Janumet experiencing reduced sales due to competitive pressures and pricing challenges. Merck's Animal Health segment also saw a 6% increase in sales, attributed to new product launches and higher pricing. The company's...Show More

Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck) reported a robust financial performance in the third quarter of 2024, with worldwide sales reaching $16.7 billion, a 4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales grew by 7%. The U.S. market saw a 13% rise in sales, contributing significantly to the overall growth. The oncology franchise, particularly Keytruda and Welireg, drove the sales increase, along with the cardiovascular franchise's new launch, Winrevair. However, sales were partially offset by declines in the diabetes and virology franchises, with Januvia and Janumet experiencing reduced sales due to competitive pressures and pricing challenges. Merck's Animal Health segment also saw a 6% increase in sales, attributed to new product launches and higher pricing. The company's business development activities included strategic acquisitions such as the novel bispecific antibody MK-1045 from Curon Biopharmaceutical, the aqua business of Elanco Animal Health, and ophthalmology-focused biotech company EyeBio. These acquisitions expand Merck's treatment portfolio for diseases such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, and vision loss associated with retinal vascular leakage. Looking ahead, Merck plans to continue evaluating MK-1045 for B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases, and to integrate the newly acquired businesses to bolster its product offerings. The company's future plans also involve strategic initiatives to address the challenges posed by global healthcare cost containment efforts, which are expected to impact sales and profits.