Merck to create separate cancer business
Exterior view of the entrance to Merck headquarters on Feb. 05, 2024 in Rahway, New Jersey.
Spencer Platt | Getty Images
Merck said on Monday it will split its human-health business into two divisions, separating its blockbuster cancer franchise led by Keytruda from its non-oncology medicines.
The shake-up comes as the drugmaker braces for the looming loss of exclusivity on Keytruda, which accounted for nearly half of Merck’s total revenue in 2025. Shares of the U.S. drugmaker were up 1.4% in premarket trading.
The news was first reported by the Wall Street Journal earlier in the day.
Keytruda, approved for several forms of cancer, recorded sales of more than $30 billion in 2025 and is the best-selling prescription medicine in the world.
The pharma major has tripled its pipeline since 2021 and has been diversifying into multiple therapeutic areas to bolster its portfolio.
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