Merck (MRK) Soars 3.42% on Vaccine Approvals, RSV Drug Progress

On April 8, 2025, Merck's stock rose by 3.42% in pre-market trading, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the company's recent developments and strategic initiatives.

Merck's HPV vaccine, Gardasil, has recently gained approval for new indications, expanding its use to include males aged 9 to 26. This approval is significant as it marks the first HPV vaccine in China approved for male use, broadening the market potential and aligning with the World Health Organization's "male-female co-prevention" strategy. The vaccine's expanded use is expected to enhance protection against HPV-related diseases, including anal cancer and genital warts, benefiting both men and women.

Merck is also making strides in the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) space with its investigational long-acting monoclonal antibody, Clesrovimab. The drug has been granted priority review in China for preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections in infants and newborns during their first RSV season. This development underscores Merck's commitment to innovative solutions in infectious disease prevention, potentially offering a significant public health benefit.