Merck and Eisai Share Latest Developments on LEAP-012 Trial
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 29 2025
0mins
Should l Buy MRK?
Trial Results: Merck and Eisai's Phase 3 LEAP-012 trial of Keytruda plus Lenvima in combination with TACE for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma did not achieve statistical significance for overall survival compared to TACE alone, leading to the decision to close the study.
Safety Profile: The safety profile of the Keytruda and Lenvima combination was consistent with previous studies, and further data analysis is ongoing.
Progression-Free Survival: The combination therapy met the primary endpoint of progression-free survival, showing a statistically significant improvement over TACE alone.
Data Presentation: Results from the interim analysis were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2024 and published in The Lancet, with consistent findings in subsequent follow-ups.
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: 119.370
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 119.370
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.
MERCK & CO INC ANTICIPATES $5.8 BILLION CHARGE OF APPROXIMATELY $2.35 PER SHARE IN Q2 AND FY2026, WITH DEAL CLOSURE EXPECTED IN Q2 2026
Merck & Co. Deal Closure: Merck & Co. is expected to finalize a significant deal in the second quarter of 2026.
Financial Implications: The deal is projected to incur a charge of approximately $2.35 per share in the second quarter and will impact the financial results for the fiscal year 2026.
See More
MERCK & CO INC - TRANSACTION VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $5.7 BILLION NET OF CASH, REFLECTING A 31% PREMIUM OVER 60-DAY VWAP AS OF MARCH 24, 2026
- Deal Overview: Merck & Co has announced a deal valued at approximately $5.7 billion.
- Premium Details: The deal includes a 31% premium based on the 60-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) as of March 24, 2026.
See More
Merck & Co Inc Acquires Terns Pharmaceuticals at $53.00 Per Share, Valuing Equity at $6.7 Billion
- Acquisition Announcement: Merck & Co. has announced its intention to acquire Terns Pharmaceuticals for $53.00 per share.
- Valuation Details: The total equity value of the acquisition is estimated at $6.7 billion.
See More
Merck to Purchase Terns Pharmaceuticals, Enhancing Hematology Pipeline with TERN-701, a New Treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Merck's Acquisition: Merck has acquired Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to enhance its hematology pipeline.
Focus on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The acquisition includes Terns' novel candidate, TERN-701, which is aimed at treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
See More
MERCK CLOSES IN ON $6BN BIOTECH ACQUISITION TO ENHANCE CANCER DRUG PORTFOLIO - FT
- Merck's Acquisition: Merck is set to acquire a biotechnology company for approximately $6 billion to enhance its cancer drug pipeline.
- Strategic Focus: This deal reflects Merck's commitment to expanding its portfolio in oncology and strengthening its position in the competitive cancer treatment market.
See More
Merck Included in 15 Dividend Stocks for Income Investment
- Rating Reaffirmed: On March 25, RBC reiterated its Outperform rating on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) with a price target of $142, indicating confidence in the company's future performance despite investor disappointment over the 'modest premium' for the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals.
- Acquisition Feedback Analysis: Following a conference call discussing the proposed acquisition of Terns, RBC analyst Trung Huynh noted that investor feedback was largely negative, questioning why Terns would agree to sell a high-probability asset at what was described as a 'modest premium', reflecting market caution regarding the deal.
- Capital Allocation Recognition: Despite concerns over the acquisition, investors still view Merck as a savvy capital allocator capable of effectively addressing its upcoming patent cliff, indicating that the company's strategic position in the industry remains recognized.
- Potential Competitive Threats: There is an expectation that competing bidders may emerge or that shareholders could outright reject the deal, which could impact Merck's stock performance, necessitating close monitoring of subsequent developments.
See More
MERCK & CO INC ANTICIPATES $5.8 BILLION CHARGE OF APPROXIMATELY $2.35 PER SHARE IN Q2 AND FY2026, WITH DEAL CLOSURE EXPECTED IN Q2 2026
Merck & Co. Deal Closure: Merck & Co. is expected to finalize a significant deal in the second quarter of 2026.
Financial Implications: The deal is projected to incur a charge of approximately $2.35 per share in the second quarter and will impact the financial results for the fiscal year 2026.
See More
MERCK & CO INC - TRANSACTION VALUED AT APPROXIMATELY $5.7 BILLION NET OF CASH, REFLECTING A 31% PREMIUM OVER 60-DAY VWAP AS OF MARCH 24, 2026
- Deal Overview: Merck & Co has announced a deal valued at approximately $5.7 billion.
- Premium Details: The deal includes a 31% premium based on the 60-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) as of March 24, 2026.
See More
Merck & Co Inc Acquires Terns Pharmaceuticals at $53.00 Per Share, Valuing Equity at $6.7 Billion
- Acquisition Announcement: Merck & Co. has announced its intention to acquire Terns Pharmaceuticals for $53.00 per share.
- Valuation Details: The total equity value of the acquisition is estimated at $6.7 billion.
See More
Merck to Purchase Terns Pharmaceuticals, Enhancing Hematology Pipeline with TERN-701, a New Treatment for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Merck's Acquisition: Merck has acquired Terns Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to enhance its hematology pipeline.
Focus on Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: The acquisition includes Terns' novel candidate, TERN-701, which is aimed at treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
See More
MERCK CLOSES IN ON $6BN BIOTECH ACQUISITION TO ENHANCE CANCER DRUG PORTFOLIO - FT
- Merck's Acquisition: Merck is set to acquire a biotechnology company for approximately $6 billion to enhance its cancer drug pipeline.
- Strategic Focus: This deal reflects Merck's commitment to expanding its portfolio in oncology and strengthening its position in the competitive cancer treatment market.
See More
Merck Included in 15 Dividend Stocks for Income Investment
- Rating Reaffirmed: On March 25, RBC reiterated its Outperform rating on Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) with a price target of $142, indicating confidence in the company's future performance despite investor disappointment over the 'modest premium' for the acquisition of Terns Pharmaceuticals.
- Acquisition Feedback Analysis: Following a conference call discussing the proposed acquisition of Terns, RBC analyst Trung Huynh noted that investor feedback was largely negative, questioning why Terns would agree to sell a high-probability asset at what was described as a 'modest premium', reflecting market caution regarding the deal.
- Capital Allocation Recognition: Despite concerns over the acquisition, investors still view Merck as a savvy capital allocator capable of effectively addressing its upcoming patent cliff, indicating that the company's strategic position in the industry remains recognized.
- Potential Competitive Threats: There is an expectation that competing bidders may emerge or that shareholders could outright reject the deal, which could impact Merck's stock performance, necessitating close monitoring of subsequent developments.
See More
