Merck Shares Soar 3.19% on Gardasil Expansion, RSV Drug Progress

On April 8, 2025, Merck's stock rose by 3.19% in pre-market trading, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the company's recent developments and strategic initiatives.

Merck's HPV vaccine, Gardasil, has recently expanded its indications to include males aged 9 to 26, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to combat HPV-related diseases. This expansion not only broadens the market for Gardasil but also aligns with the World Health Organization's "male-female co-prevention" strategy, aiming to protect both genders from HPV infections.

However, the promotion of male HPV vaccination faces challenges, including the limited age range for male vaccination and the relatively lower economic status of the target demographic. Additionally, public awareness and acceptance of HPV vaccination among males remain lower compared to females. Merck is actively addressing these issues through educational campaigns and collaborations with healthcare providers to enhance public understanding and acceptance of male HPV vaccination.

In addition to Gardasil, Merck is also making strides in other therapeutic areas. The company's investigational long-acting monoclonal antibody, Clesrovimab, has been granted priority review in China for the prevention of RSV infections in infants. This development underscores Merck's commitment to innovation and its focus on addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in pediatric populations.