Merck Splits Human Health into Oncology and Specialty Units to Offset 2028 Patent Cliff
Merck has restructured its Human Health division into separate Oncology and Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases units to bolster commercial execution across key therapeutic areas. Nearly half of Merck’s revenue stems from Keytruda immunotherapy, which faces U.S. patent expiry in 2028, driving this strategic shift.
1. Restructuring Human Health Division
Merck reorganized its Human Health organization into an Oncology Business Unit and a Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases Business Unit to streamline commercial execution and leadership across therapeutic areas.
2. Pipeline and Growth Drivers
The company is conducting roughly 80 Phase 3 studies and expects more than 20 new growth drivers, most with blockbuster potential, from its late-stage pipeline over the coming years.
3. Keytruda Patent Cliff
Merck’s Keytruda immunotherapy represents nearly 50% of total sales but faces U.S. patent expiration in 2028, prompting this strategic shift to mitigate the impending revenue pressure.