Merck Shares Soar 5% on EU Nod for 60% Risk-Reducing Bladder Cancer Therapy
Merck shares jumped 5% after a European medicines committee gave a positive opinion to its Keytruda–Padcev perioperative regimen for high-risk muscle-invasive bladder cancer, which cut progression or recurrence risk by about 60% and death risk by around 50% in Phase III. Separately, its lung cancer combination met a late-stage endpoint, pushing the stock above its 140-day moving average.
1. EU Committee Recommends Keytruda–Padcev for Bladder Cancer
A European medicines committee issued a positive opinion for Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) plus Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) combination as a perioperative treatment for high-risk muscle-invasive bladder cancer, based on Phase III KEYNOTE-905 results showing roughly 60% reduction in disease progression or recurrence and about 50% reduction in risk of death compared with surgery alone.
2. Shares Jump 5% and Break Above 140-Day Moving Average
Merck shares surged 5% to trade at $121.75, marking their largest single-day gain since November 2025 and climbing above the 140-day moving average for the first time since September 2025. The stock is trading close to its two-year high of $125.14 and has won four of five sessions this week.
3. Lung Cancer Combo Hits Late-Stage Endpoint
In a separate announcement, Merck’s lung cancer therapy combination achieved its late-stage trial goal, reinforcing confidence in the company’s immuno-oncology pipeline and adding further momentum to its cancer treatment portfolio.