Merck and Eisai's Combination Therapy Achieves Major Milestone in Advanced Kidney Cancer Study
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 28 2025
0mins
Source: SeekingAlpha
Trial Success: Merck and Eisai announced that their Phase 3 LITESPARK-011 trial demonstrated improved progression-free survival for advanced kidney cancer patients using a combination of Welireg and Lenvima.
First of Its Kind: This trial is notable as it is the first positive Phase 3 study involving an HIF-2 alpha inhibitor combined with a multi-targeted VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Safety Profile: The safety profiles of the drugs in the trial were consistent with previous studies, with no new safety concerns reported.
Future Plans: The companies plan to discuss the trial results with regulatory authorities globally and present the findings at an upcoming medical meeting.
Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for MRK is 119.53 USD with a low forecast of 95.00 USD and a high forecast of 139.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 109.180
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 109.180
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.
