Merck Stock Drops 4.81% in Third Consecutive Day of Losses Amid $1.829 Billion Trading Volume Ranking 24th

On March 25, 2025, Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) experienced a significant decline, with its stock price dropping by 4.81%, marking the third consecutive day of losses and a cumulative decrease of 7.24% over the past three days. The trading volume for the day was substantial, reaching $1.829 billion, placing Merck at the 24th position in terms of trading volume for the day.

Merck has entered into a strategic partnership with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals, a Chinese pharmaceutical company, to develop and commercialize HRS-5346, an experimental oral treatment targeting lipoprotein(a). This deal grants Merck global rights to the drug, excluding the Greater China region. The agreement involves an upfront payment of $200 million to Hengrui Pharma, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.77 billion, along with royalties on future sales. This partnership is part of Merck's ongoing efforts to expand its portfolio of cardiovascular therapies and strengthen its presence in the global pharmaceutical market.

This licensing agreement is the second significant deal Merck has made with a Chinese company, highlighting the company's growing interest in the Chinese pharmaceutical market. The collaboration with Hengrui Pharma is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of HRS-5346, a promising drug that could address a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of heart disease. The deal underscores Merck's commitment to innovation and its strategy of leveraging external partnerships to enhance its drug pipeline.