Merck & Co lifts outlook as Keytruda growth offsets acquisition hit

30 April 2026

US pharma major Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) reported first-quarter revenue of $16.3 billion, up 5%, while posting a GAAP loss of $1.72 per share and adjusted loss of $1.28. The swing to a loss reflects a charge tied to its Cidara Therapeutics acquisition.

The company beat expectations on sales and adjusted earnings, supported by continued demand for Keytruda (pembrolizumab), which rose 12% to $8 billion. The cancer drug remains the main growth engine, benefiting from wider use across tumor types and earlier-stage disease.

This article is accessible to registered users, to continue reading please register for free.  A free trial will give you access to exclusive features, interviews, round-ups and commentary from the sharpest minds in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology space for a week. If you are already a registered user please login. If your trial has come to an end, you can subscribe here.

Login to your account

Become a subscriber

 

£820

Or £77 per month

Subscribe Now
  • Unfettered access to industry-leading news, commentary and analysis in pharma and biotech.
  • Updates from clinical trials, conferences, M&A, licensing, financing, regulation, patents & legal, executive appointments, commercial strategy and financial results.
  • Daily roundup of key events in pharma and biotech.
  • Monthly in-depth briefings on Boardroom appointments and M&A news.
  • Choose from a cost-effective annual package or a flexible monthly subscription
The Pharma Letter is an extremely useful and valuable Life Sciences service that brings together a daily update on performance people and products. It’s part of the key information for keeping me informed

Chairman, Sanofi Aventis UK

Company News Directory



Companies featured in this story

More ones to watch >






Company Spotlight



More Features in Pharmaceutical