Merck licenses experimental HIV pill to generic makers in 129 countries

Merck said on Friday it signed seven voluntary licensing agreements with generic drug manufacturers to make and sell lower-cost versions ​of its experimental once-monthly oral HIV pill in 129 low- ‌and lower-middle-income countries.

Reuters • Jul 24, 2026

Merck Announces Initial Access Plans for Alimatravir, an Investigational Once-Monthly Oral HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Phase 3 Development

RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $MRK #MRK--Voluntary licensing agreements cover 129 countries in regions which account for the substantial majority of new HIV diagnoses globally.

Business Wire • Jul 24, 2026

Will Keytruda Remain the Driving Force Behind Merck's Q2 Performance?

Keytruda is expected to drive another strong quarter for MRK, with investors watching Q2 sales and management's outlook ahead of the drug's 2028 patent expiry.

Zacks Investment Research • Jul 22, 2026

Gilead, Merck weekly HIV pill keeps virus suppressed in late-stage trials

Gilead Sciences and Merck said on Tuesday their experimental once-weekly HIV pill kept the virus suppressed in two late-stage trials, ​supporting regulatory filings for what could become the first ‌regimen of its kind for the disease.

Reuters • Jul 21, 2026

Is It Worth Investing in Merck (MRK) Based on Wall Street's Bullish Views?

The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price.

Zacks Investment Research • Jul 21, 2026

Investigational Once-Weekly Oral HIV Treatment Regimen of Islatravir and Lenacapavir Maintained Virological Suppression in Adults With HIV Who Switched Antiretroviral Therapy

FOSTER CITY, Calif. & RAHWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced that the detailed outcomes from the Phase 3 ISLEND-1 and ISLEND-2 trials will be presented for the first time at the 26th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2026). The primary endpoint results at Week 48 showed that the investigational once-weekly oral single-tablet HIV treatment regimen of islatravir 2 mg/lenacap.

Business Wire • Jul 21, 2026

Merck Just Won The Race For The First Cholesterol Pill: What It Means For Your Heart And Your Portfolio

For the tens of millions of Americans who cannot push their LDL cholesterol (trivially known as "bad cholesterol") low enough on statins alone, the strongest backup has meant needles. That changed on July 16, 2026, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, a class of powerful cholesterol drugs that until now existed only as an injection.

Benzinga • Jul 20, 2026

Merck (MRK) Declines More Than Market: Some Information for Investors

Merck (MRK) concluded the recent trading session at $124.4, signifying a -2.43% move from its prior day's close.

Zacks Investment Research • Jul 20, 2026

What Comes After Merck's Keytruda? The Race for the Next Standard Cancer Treatment.

Many think the next standard cancer treatment will pair two innovations.

Barrons • Jul 20, 2026

Merck Reportedly Goes To Bat In Takeover Battle. Genomics Stock Flies.

Personalis stock popped Friday on a rumor Merck and at least two other suitors are trying to buy the small genomics company.

Investors Business Daily • Jul 17, 2026