Merck Stock Jumps 4.5% on Breakthrough Lung Cancer Data and Earnings Beat

In a move that strengthens the company's position in the biopharmaceutical sector, Merck & Co (MRK) stock opened up 4.50% on May 22, 2026. This surge followed the announcement of positive Phase III clinical trial results for the combination of sac-TMT and Keytruda in treating lung cancer. Additionally, the company's Q1 2026 earnings surpassed market expectations, further bolstering investor confidence in the group's financial and operational performance.

Clinical data revealed that the sac-TMT and Keytruda combination reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 65% compared to monotherapy, according to Fierce Pharma reports in May 2026. This clinical success coincides with Merck reporting Q1 revenue of $16.29 billion, beating the Zacks consensus estimate of $15.9 billion. In comparison to peers, Merck traded at a forward P/E of 21x, significantly higher than Bristol Myers Squibb's 9.74x, reflecting market optimism regarding Merck's innovative oncology pipeline.

At the close of May 21, 2026, MRK stock stood at $115.88, with positive momentum building ahead of the official data presentation at the ASCO annual meeting in late May. Traders are currently watching resistance levels near $125, a price target recently set by Citigroup. According to the economic calendar, there are no major company-specific catalysts scheduled for the coming week, leaving the focus on analyst reactions to supply data and the long-term growth trajectory of Keytruda.