Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) Expands Targeted Therapy Pipeline with ADC Advances

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) tops our list for being one of the best cancer stocks. It is a global pharmaceutical leader with a strong oncology portfolio led by KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), approved for 42 indications across 18 tumor types and a cornerstone of modern cancer therapy. The company is actively expanding beyond KEYTRUDA with a broad pipeline of immuno-oncology agents, precision medicines, and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

At the ASCO 2025 meeting, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) highlighted several key developments. Its investigational KRAS G12C inhibitor MK-1084 showed encouraging Phase 1 results in colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers. ADCs zilovertamab vedotin and sacituzumab tirumotecan advanced in clinical trials, reinforcing the company’s focus on targeted therapies. Meanwhile, KEYTRUDA gained its 42nd FDA approval for use in resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, while combination studies demonstrated the first significant overall survival benefit for checkpoint inhibitors in ovarian cancer.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is also collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo on late-stage trials of ifinatamab deruxtecan in esophageal, prostate, and small cell lung cancers. Beyond oncology, strategic acquisitions like Verona Pharma are part of efforts to diversify ahead of KEYTRUDA’s patent expiry in 2028. The company is advancing 20+ new growth drivers across immuno-oncology and precision medicine, including agents such as enlicitide, tulisokibart, and MK-3000.

Additionally, the business is working to expand global clinical trial access, partnering with Australia’s Omico to broaden cancer research availability in international markets.

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