Alliant Human Capital Welcomes Brian Muller as Vice President

Alliant Human Capital welcomes Brian Muller as Vice President, bringing over 15 years of experience in corporate and consulting HR. Muller has led strategic initiatives across industries and has expertise in compensation strategy, design, and analytics. He will help deliver high-impact human capital solutions to clients and align people strategies with business goals. Muller joins Alliant Human Capital in 2025, bringing a unique blend of corporate and consulting experience.

Merck & Co. Inc. (Merck) has announced a $3 billion cost-cutting and reinvestment strategy to navigate the impending patent expiry of its flagship immunotherapy drug, Keytruda, in 2028. The plan, unveiled in September 2025, aims to fund innovation, diversify Merck’s portfolio, and maintain long-term value for shareholders.

The strategy includes 6,000 job cuts, facility streamlining, and $1 billion allocated to a new Delaware biologics center to boost Keytruda production and research and development (R&D). Additionally, Merck plans to invest $895 million in expanding a Kansas animal health facility. These measures are expected to save $3 billion annually by 2027, with all savings reinvested into high-growth areas such as oncology, immunology, and cardio-pulmonary therapies [1].

A key component of Merck’s strategy is the acquisition of Verona Pharmaceuticals for $10 billion, which adds a first-in-class COPD treatment, Ohtuvayre, to Merck’s pipeline. This acquisition targets a $10 billion market and provides a near-term revenue catalyst. Simultaneously, Merck is advancing enlicitide decanoate, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor for hyperlipidemia, which demonstrated significant LDL-C reductions in Phase 3 trials [1].

To delay biosimilar competition for Keytruda, Merck is prioritizing lifecycle management. The company has expedited the approval of a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of Keytruda, expected to launch in 2025. This reformulation offers greater patient convenience and could capture 30–40% of the market before biosimilars enter. Merck has also expanded Keytruda’s indications to include neoadjuvant/adjuvant settings for triple-negative breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [1].

Despite the projected sales decline of Keytruda post-2028, Merck’s 2025 revenue guidance remains robust at $64.3–$65.3 billion. Analysts project non-GAAP EPS of $8.87–$8.97 for 2025, with a Zacks Consensus price target of $145 per share [1].

Merck’s strategy underscores its focus on operational efficiency and R&D agility, positioning the company to weather the patent expiry storm and capitalize on emerging therapeutic opportunities.

References:
[1] Merck unveils $3B cost-cutting plan [https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/merck-joins-big-pharma-cost-cutting-crowd-revealing-plan-save-3b-annually-through-2027]
[2] Merck Cuts $3 Billion in Costs as Keytruda Reign Nears End [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-29/merck-mounts-3-billion-revamp-as-keytruda-price-pressure-looms]
[3] May 2025: Merck's Scheme to Product Hop Keytruda [https://www.i-mak.org/2025/05/05/may-2025-mercks-scheme-to-product-hop-keytruda/]