Lotte Biologics and Merck recently signed a strategic partnership deal for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and process development. Through the agreement, Merck and Lotte Biologics will ensure the supply of essential raw materials and solutions for biopharmaceutical development and production, establish a stable supply chain system for raw materials, and develop a support system for the Bio…
Merck initiates Phase 3 trial to assess MK-1084 in combination with Keytruda for certain lung cancers
Merck recently announced it initiated a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating MK-1084 in combination with Keytruda for treating patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The Rahway, N.J.-based company is evaluating MK-1084, an investigational oral selective KRAS G12C inhibitor, in combination with Keytruda to treat patients with NSCLC whose tumors have KRAS G12C mutations…
FDA approves Merck’s Winrevair to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension
Merck recently won FDA approval for its sotatercept-csrk Winrevair for treating adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The drug was approved to increase exercise capacity and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events, according to the Rahway, N.J.-based company. It previously received FDA breakthrough designation and is the first FDA-approved action signaling inhibitor therapy for pulmonary…
Pharma M&A 2023: Merck, Pfizer and Sanofi lead industry surge
The pharmaceutical and biotech industries have experienced a surge of high-profile acquisitions and mergers in the first few months of the year, marking a notable trend in pharma M&A 2023. From Merck’s $11 billion acquisition of Prometheus Biosciences to Pfizer’s $43 billion purchase of Seagen, these deals highlight a focus on strengthening core assets and…
Senate Finance Committee chair says Abbott, Merck aren’t complying
Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) wrote a letter demanding compliance from Merck and Abbott. The letter demands that Merck and Abbott comply with the Senate Finance Committee’s investigation into the tax practices of Big Pharma. According to a news release from the Senate Finance Committee, the two companies have, to this point, “stonewalled”…
Merck moves forward with Seagen acquisition plans
Executives from Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) and Seagen (Nasdaq:SGEN) are reportedly considering a $40 billion acquisition deal. Readington, New Jersey–based Merck has offered to spend about $200 per share for Seagen, according to The Wall Street Journal. Executives from the company aim to finalize the deal before Merck announces its Q2 earnings on July 28, according…
Merck reportedly mulling Seagen acquisition
Approximately one month after Seagen (Nasdaq:SGEN) CEO Clay Siegall resigned following a domestic abuse arrest, Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) is considering purchasing the company, according to WSJ. One potential hurdle is the possibility of increased antitrust enforcement from the DOJ and FTC focused on the pharmaceutical sector. To sidestep such risks, the two companies could enter a…
Propecia label gets new warning related to possible suicidal risk
A number of patient advocates, including the Post-Finasteride Syndrome Foundation (PFSF), had petitioned the FDA to remove the anti-baldness drug Propecia (finasteride) from the market. The FDA recently announced that the drug would remain on the market but agreed to revise the label for finasteride to include a notice about reports of suicidal behavior. Merck…
Merck senior exec Frank Clyburn to depart
Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) has revealed that Frank Clyburn, executive vice president and president, Human Health, will depart the company on Feb. 1, 2022. At Merck, Clyburn had P&L responsibility for almost 90% of Merck’s business. Clyburn will assume the CEO role at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF/NYSE:IFF) on Feb. 14. “I’m excited to join…
Generic manufacturers to make cheaper version of Merck’s COVID-19 pill for developing countries
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) announced today that it signed agreements with 27 manufacturers to produce Merck’s COVID-19 pill. MPP’s agreements with the generic manufacturing companies cover the manufacturing of the oral COVID-19 antiviral medication molnupiravir, with supply set for 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The agreements come as a result of the voluntary…