Merck and Eisai Share Latest Developments on LEAP-012 Trial
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 29 2025
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Should l Buy MRK?
Trial Results: Merck and Eisai's Phase 3 LEAP-012 trial of Keytruda plus Lenvima in combination with TACE for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma did not achieve statistical significance for overall survival compared to TACE alone, leading to the decision to close the study.
Safety Profile: The safety profile of the Keytruda and Lenvima combination was consistent with previous studies, and further data analysis is ongoing.
Progression-Free Survival: The combination therapy met the primary endpoint of progression-free survival, showing a statistically significant improvement over TACE alone.
Data Presentation: Results from the interim analysis were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2024 and published in The Lancet, with consistent findings in subsequent follow-ups.
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Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for MRK is 119.53 USD with a low forecast of 95.00 USD and a high forecast of 139.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 121.930
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 121.930
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
About MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. Its Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers. It sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all livestock and companion animal species. Its products include KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use; WELIREG (belzutifan) tablets, for oral use; Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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- Telecom Appeal: Verizon Communications (VZ) has achieved only 2% year-over-year growth in a highly competitive U.S. mobile market, yet its forward-looking dividend yield of 6.1% attracts income-seeking investors, highlighting the stock's stability and appeal amid market volatility.
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- Beverage Stability: Coca-Cola (KO) offers a forward-looking dividend yield of 2.7% and boasts a 63-year history of dividend increases, demonstrating strong brand loyalty and marketing prowess, ensuring a reliable source of passive income for investors.
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- Telecom Market Saturation: The U.S. mobile phone market is highly saturated, with Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) reporting only 2% year-over-year revenue growth last quarter, indicating limited net growth potential, although its forward-looking dividend yield of 6.1% remains attractive.
- Pharmaceutical Positioning: Pharmaceutical giant Merck (NYSE: MRK) is preparing for the 2028 patent expiration of Keytruda, having made significant acquisitions like the $10.8 billion purchase of Prometheus Biosciences in 2023, expecting these moves to drive $70 billion in new revenue by the mid-2030s.
- Coca-Cola's Steady Income: Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) offers a forward-looking dividend yield of 2.7%, backed by 63 years of annual dividend increases, showcasing its strong brand loyalty and marketing prowess, solidifying its status as a top dividend payer.
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See More
Bullish Thesis Analysis on Merck & Co., Inc.
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- Catalyst Expectations: The choice of April 2026 expiration aligns with multiple anticipated catalysts, including FY2025 earnings, early 2026 pipeline updates, and increasing visibility into Merck's post-Keytruda growth trajectory, collectively enhancing investor confidence.
- Capital Efficiency Optimization: The bullish thesis proposes a split-strike risk reversal strategy, selling April $85 puts to finance the $110 calls, anchoring downside risk to the 200-day simple moving average, a level widely viewed as a structural accumulation zone for a high-quality defensive stock.
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