US pharmaceutical giant Merck, Sharp & Dohme Inc., (MSD; NYSE: MRK) has released its financial report for the third quarter of 2024, highlighting a 4% year-on-year (YOY) increase in revenues to USD 1.67 billion. The Pharmaceutical sector experienced a 5% YOY growth, reaching USD 14.943 billion, while the Animal Health unit reported sales of USD 1.487 billion, up 6%. For the full year, the company now anticipates sales to range between USD 63.6 billion and USD 64.1 billion, as stated by Robert M. Davis, chairman and CEO of Merck.
The company’s blockbuster PD-1 inhibitor, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), brought in USD 7.14 billion, marking a 17% YOY increase, although it was flat compared to the second quarter’s USD 7.3 billion. Merck is actively seeking new blockbusters to succeed Keytruda, whose patent is set to expire in 2028, through new product launches. Winrevair (sotatercept), a first-in-class pulmonary hypertension (PHA) biologic, generated USD 149 million, with its US launch gaining momentum and recent approval in the European Union (EU).
The third-quarter revenue growth in 2024 was partially offset by lower sales of diabetes drugs Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin, metformin), lower combined sales of HPV vaccines Gardasil/Gardasil 9, and lower sales of COVID-19 therapy Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Januvia and Janumet sales declined primarily due to lower pricing in the US and ongoing generic competition in many international markets. Third-quarter Gardasil/Gardasil 9 sales declined YOY due to reduced demand in China; however, outside of China, the company achieved double-digit sales growth for the portfolio in almost every major region globally.- Flcube.com
