Merck Reports Strong Q1 Earnings Boosted by Keytruda and Vaccine Sales

Merck's first-quarter earnings exceeded expectations, driven by robust sales of its Keytruda cancer drug and Gardasil vaccine, prompting an upgraded financial forecast for 2024.

• Merck's first-quarter revenue rose to $15.78 billion, a 9% increase from last year, with Keytruda sales up 20% and Gardasil sales up 14%.
• Net income surged by 69% to $4.8 billion, significantly higher than the previous year's $2.8 billion.
• The pharmaceutical giant raised its full-year earnings forecast to $8.53-$8.65 per share, up from the earlier $8.44-$8.59.
• Merck is preparing for Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028 with new drug launches, including Winrevair for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• The company's recent acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics and a new restructuring program aim to enhance future revenue and efficiency.

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