Merck & Co., known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced a reorganization of its Human Health business. This involves splitting the business into two units — an Oncology unit and one specializing in pharmaceuticals and infectious diseases.
“This new structure will position the company to harness the potential of its broad and increasingly diversified late‑stage pipeline. Merck is currently conducting approximately 80 Phase 3 studies, and the company expects more than 20 new growth drivers over the next several years, almost all with blockbuster potential,” the company’s press release states.
The Oncology Business Unit will oversee the full portfolio of Merck’s existing and experimental anti-cancer drugs, including Keytruda (pembrolizumab). The peak annual sales of Keytruda, $35 billion, is forecast for 2028—the same year the company is expected to lose exclusive rights to the drug in the U.S. Last year, Keytruda sales reached $31.7 billion, accounting for more than half of Merck’s total pharmaceutical revenue ($58.1 billion).
Despite the approaching “patent cliff” for Keytruda, the company aims to “sustain long-term leadership in oncology,” while simultaneously strengthening its position in the areas of cardiometabolic medicine and the fight against infectious diseases.
