Merck's KEYTRUDA and WELIREG Show Positive Phase 3 Results in Kidney Cancer
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Feb 28 2026
0mins
Should l Buy MRK?
Source: Newsfilter
Merck & Co Inc's stock fell 3.48% as it hit a 20-day low amid broader market declines, with the Nasdaq-100 down 0.16% and the S&P 500 down 0.43%.
Despite the stock's decline, Merck announced positive results from the LITESPARK-022 Phase 3 trial, where the combination of KEYTRUDA and WELIREG significantly improved disease-free survival in kidney cancer patients, reducing the risk of recurrence or death by 28%. The FDA has accepted priority review applications for this combination therapy, with a target action date set for June 19, 2026, potentially accelerating its market introduction.
These promising trial results may enhance Merck's position in the oncology market, providing new treatment options for patients and potentially offsetting recent declines in other areas of its business, such as the HPV vaccine Gardasil.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MRK?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to rise
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 115.790
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 115.790
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
About MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. Its Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers. It sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all livestock and companion animal species. Its products include KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use; WELIREG (belzutifan) tablets, for oral use; Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Investment Comparison Between Eli Lilly and Merck
- GLP-1 Drug Market Performance: Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, are projected to grow by 99% and 175% respectively in 2025, collectively accounting for 56% of the company's revenue, indicating strong market demand and growth potential.
- Valuation and Yield Comparison: Eli Lilly has a P/E ratio of 44 and a meager dividend yield of 0.6%, while Merck boasts a much more attractive P/E of 16 and a dividend yield of 2.8%, making Merck more appealing to value and income-focused investors.
- Patent Protection and Drug Pipeline: Although Merck faces patent expirations for Keytruda, its international patents extend into the early 2030s, and a new delivery method could prolong patent protection into the late 2030s, showcasing its robust product pipeline and market competitiveness.
- Market Attention Discrepancy: While Eli Lilly is performing well, Wall Street's focus on its high valuation may obscure potential risks, whereas Merck is favored for its solid financial performance and reasonable valuation.
See More
GLP-1 Drugs Boost Eli Lilly's Stock Price
- Strong Market Demand: GLP-1 drugs are gaining significant attention on Wall Street, with expectations of sustained demand for years, driving Eli Lilly's growth, although its stock is considered overvalued with a P/E ratio of 44.
- Outstanding Drug Performance: Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound drugs are performing exceptionally well, with projected revenue growth of 99% and 175% respectively by 2025, together accounting for 56% of the company's revenue.
- Merck's Competitive Edge: Unlike Eli Lilly, Merck focuses on cancer, infections, and cardiometabolic diseases, which, while less trendy than weight loss, boast a strong drug pipeline, with a P/E ratio of only 16 and a dividend yield of 2.8%.
- Investment Choice Analysis: While Eli Lilly is performing well, its high valuation makes Merck a more attractive option for dividend-seeking investors, given its solid dividend support and more reasonable valuation.
See More
Three Overlooked Stocks That Are Too Inexpensive to Dismiss
Market Outlook for 2026: Despite some companies trading at attractive valuations, 2026 may not be an ideal time for a value strategy due to various market pressures and the performance of promising firms.
Merck's Growth Potential: Merck is projected to see continued growth, driven by its cancer drug Keytruda, which is expected to generate significant sales and interest in ovarian cancer treatments, even as it prepares for patent expiration in 2028.
Campbell's Financial Challenges: Campbell's shares have declined significantly due to external pressures like tariffs and inflation, leading to modest declines in sales and earnings, although it maintains a strong dividend yield.
US Foods' Revenue Growth: US Foods is experiencing growth in profitability and revenue, supported by strong inventory management and a robust capital deployment strategy, positioning it well for future growth despite market challenges.
See More
US-Israel Conflict Escalates, Pharma Stocks as Safe Haven
- Market Turmoil Intensifies: The escalation of the US-Israel conflict against Iran has roiled global markets, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel this week while US stocks plummeted due to limited trade and travel.
- Weakening Safe Havens: Traditional safe-haven assets like spot gold have fallen over 2% in the past five days, on track for their first weekly decline in over a month, while consumer staples are pressured by rising oil prices, impacting low-end consumers and increasing input costs for companies.
- Defensive Pharma Stocks: UBS analysts highlight the pharmaceutical sector as the most defensive, with over three dozen stocks, including Eli Lilly and Merck, expected to thrive amid Middle East tensions, as Eli Lilly has risen 34% in the past six months.
- Opportunities in AI Era: Pharmaceutical stocks are also seen as winners in the generative AI era, as AI tools are likely to enhance R&D productivity, and the sector's relatively cheap valuations and low leverage position it well during rising credit spreads.
See More
Democratic Senators Question Pharma Price Deals with Trump Administration
- Investigation of Price Deals: Six Democratic senators, including Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, have sent letters to over 10 major pharmaceutical companies this week, seeking detailed information on pricing agreements made with the Trump administration, highlighting concerns over drug pricing transparency.
- Involvement of Major Pharma: The letters were addressed to well-known companies such as AbbVie, Amgen, and Bristol Myers Squibb, indicating that these agreements could impact the accessibility of medications for millions of American patients and their healthcare costs.
- Focus on Patient Benefits: The senators specifically inquired how these deals benefit American patients and taxpayers through savings for the Medicaid healthcare program, reflecting a significant emphasis on public healthcare expenditures.
- Intersection of Politics and Finance: The issuance of these letters not only represents a call for regulatory oversight of the pharmaceutical industry but also scrutinizes the impact of Trump administration policies, which may influence future drug pricing strategies and market approaches of pharmaceutical companies.
See More
Dow Jones Futures Rise Slightly Ahead of Jobs Report
- Futures Market Movement: Dow Jones futures rose slightly, alongside gains in S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, indicating cautious optimism in the market ahead of upcoming economic data.
- Jobs Report Focus: The market is closely watching the February jobs report, as this data is expected to significantly influence future monetary policy and market sentiment.
- Earnings Report Highlights: Costco and Marvell Technology released their earnings after the close, with investors analyzing these reports to assess company performance and potential market impacts.
- Market Sentiment Assessment: Despite the rise in futures, investors remain cautious about the forthcoming economic data, which could affect short-term market volatility.
See More
Investment Comparison Between Eli Lilly and Merck
- GLP-1 Drug Market Performance: Eli Lilly's GLP-1 drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, are projected to grow by 99% and 175% respectively in 2025, collectively accounting for 56% of the company's revenue, indicating strong market demand and growth potential.
- Valuation and Yield Comparison: Eli Lilly has a P/E ratio of 44 and a meager dividend yield of 0.6%, while Merck boasts a much more attractive P/E of 16 and a dividend yield of 2.8%, making Merck more appealing to value and income-focused investors.
- Patent Protection and Drug Pipeline: Although Merck faces patent expirations for Keytruda, its international patents extend into the early 2030s, and a new delivery method could prolong patent protection into the late 2030s, showcasing its robust product pipeline and market competitiveness.
- Market Attention Discrepancy: While Eli Lilly is performing well, Wall Street's focus on its high valuation may obscure potential risks, whereas Merck is favored for its solid financial performance and reasonable valuation.
See More
GLP-1 Drugs Boost Eli Lilly's Stock Price
- Strong Market Demand: GLP-1 drugs are gaining significant attention on Wall Street, with expectations of sustained demand for years, driving Eli Lilly's growth, although its stock is considered overvalued with a P/E ratio of 44.
- Outstanding Drug Performance: Eli Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound drugs are performing exceptionally well, with projected revenue growth of 99% and 175% respectively by 2025, together accounting for 56% of the company's revenue.
- Merck's Competitive Edge: Unlike Eli Lilly, Merck focuses on cancer, infections, and cardiometabolic diseases, which, while less trendy than weight loss, boast a strong drug pipeline, with a P/E ratio of only 16 and a dividend yield of 2.8%.
- Investment Choice Analysis: While Eli Lilly is performing well, its high valuation makes Merck a more attractive option for dividend-seeking investors, given its solid dividend support and more reasonable valuation.
See More
Three Overlooked Stocks That Are Too Inexpensive to Dismiss
Market Outlook for 2026: Despite some companies trading at attractive valuations, 2026 may not be an ideal time for a value strategy due to various market pressures and the performance of promising firms.
Merck's Growth Potential: Merck is projected to see continued growth, driven by its cancer drug Keytruda, which is expected to generate significant sales and interest in ovarian cancer treatments, even as it prepares for patent expiration in 2028.
Campbell's Financial Challenges: Campbell's shares have declined significantly due to external pressures like tariffs and inflation, leading to modest declines in sales and earnings, although it maintains a strong dividend yield.
US Foods' Revenue Growth: US Foods is experiencing growth in profitability and revenue, supported by strong inventory management and a robust capital deployment strategy, positioning it well for future growth despite market challenges.
See More
US-Israel Conflict Escalates, Pharma Stocks as Safe Haven
- Market Turmoil Intensifies: The escalation of the US-Israel conflict against Iran has roiled global markets, with oil prices surging above $100 per barrel this week while US stocks plummeted due to limited trade and travel.
- Weakening Safe Havens: Traditional safe-haven assets like spot gold have fallen over 2% in the past five days, on track for their first weekly decline in over a month, while consumer staples are pressured by rising oil prices, impacting low-end consumers and increasing input costs for companies.
- Defensive Pharma Stocks: UBS analysts highlight the pharmaceutical sector as the most defensive, with over three dozen stocks, including Eli Lilly and Merck, expected to thrive amid Middle East tensions, as Eli Lilly has risen 34% in the past six months.
- Opportunities in AI Era: Pharmaceutical stocks are also seen as winners in the generative AI era, as AI tools are likely to enhance R&D productivity, and the sector's relatively cheap valuations and low leverage position it well during rising credit spreads.
See More
Democratic Senators Question Pharma Price Deals with Trump Administration
- Investigation of Price Deals: Six Democratic senators, including Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, have sent letters to over 10 major pharmaceutical companies this week, seeking detailed information on pricing agreements made with the Trump administration, highlighting concerns over drug pricing transparency.
- Involvement of Major Pharma: The letters were addressed to well-known companies such as AbbVie, Amgen, and Bristol Myers Squibb, indicating that these agreements could impact the accessibility of medications for millions of American patients and their healthcare costs.
- Focus on Patient Benefits: The senators specifically inquired how these deals benefit American patients and taxpayers through savings for the Medicaid healthcare program, reflecting a significant emphasis on public healthcare expenditures.
- Intersection of Politics and Finance: The issuance of these letters not only represents a call for regulatory oversight of the pharmaceutical industry but also scrutinizes the impact of Trump administration policies, which may influence future drug pricing strategies and market approaches of pharmaceutical companies.
See More
Dow Jones Futures Rise Slightly Ahead of Jobs Report
- Futures Market Movement: Dow Jones futures rose slightly, alongside gains in S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures, indicating cautious optimism in the market ahead of upcoming economic data.
- Jobs Report Focus: The market is closely watching the February jobs report, as this data is expected to significantly influence future monetary policy and market sentiment.
- Earnings Report Highlights: Costco and Marvell Technology released their earnings after the close, with investors analyzing these reports to assess company performance and potential market impacts.
- Market Sentiment Assessment: Despite the rise in futures, investors remain cautious about the forthcoming economic data, which could affect short-term market volatility.
See More
