Merck (MRK) Is Up 8.5% After Promising Oral PCSK9 Cholesterol Drug Trial Results – Has The Bull Case Changed?

In recent days, Merck announced pivotal Phase 3 trial results showing its once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, enlicitide, reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by more than half in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and those at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The oral therapy’s effectiveness rivals that of injectable alternatives and could significantly expand intensive cholesterol-lowering options for patients who prefer pills over injections. We’ll explore how the promising efficacy and safety profile of enlicitide could alter Merck’s investment narrative and future growth outlook.

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Merck Investment Narrative Recap

To own Merck stock, investors need conviction in the company’s ability to deliver new blockbuster therapies and maintain market share despite patent expirations and market competition. The latest strong data from the Phase 3 trials of enlicitide, a once-daily oral PCSK9 inhibitor, may bolster confidence in Merck’s pipeline as it approaches the critical LOE (loss of exclusivity) for KEYTRUDA, which remains the most important short-term catalyst and risk for the business.

Among Merck’s recent announcements, the European Commission’s approval of WINREVAIR for pulmonary arterial hypertension stands out as part of its strategy to diversify its revenue base. Importantly, these product launches are increasingly vital as Merck prepares for the eventual erosion of KEYTRUDA exclusivity and seeks to offset potential declines in established products.

However, while optimistic on pipeline advances, investors should be aware that rising global competition in cholesterol therapies and oncology could...

Read the full narrative on Merck (it's free!)

Merck's narrative projects $72.0 billion revenue and $24.3 billion earnings by 2028. This requires 4.2% yearly revenue growth and a $7.9 billion earnings increase from $16.4 billion today.

Uncover how Merck's forecasts yield a $102.33 fair value, a 13% upside to its current price.

Exploring Other PerspectivesMRK Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025

Fair value estimates from 33 Simply Wall St Community members range from US$74.77 to US$228.66 per share. As Merck pursues over 20 new growth drivers, future performance may depend on timely execution ahead of upcoming patent expirations.

Explore 33 other fair value estimates on Merck - why the stock might be worth 18% less than the current price!

Build Your Own Merck Narrative

Disagree with existing narratives? Create your own in under 3 minutes - extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd.

Story Continues

A great starting point for your Merck research is our analysis highlighting 5 key rewards and 1 important warning sign that could impact your investment decision. Our free Merck research report provides a comprehensive fundamental analysis summarized in a single visual - the Snowflake - making it easy to evaluate Merck's overall financial health at a glance.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Companies discussed in this article include MRK.

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