Merck & Co. (Merck) has secured the second place on the 2025 Pharmaceutical Innovation Index, a notable rise from 10th position in 2024. Central to this success is the performance of Keytruda (pembrolizumab), which has delivered pivotal results in multiple cancer indications, including lung cancer, melanoma, and triple-negative breast cancer. The 10-year survival data in advanced melanoma highlight Keytruda’s enduring impact, solidifying its leadership in the PD-1 space.

Beyond immuno-oncology, Merck has made significant advances in oncology with the investigational antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) zilovertamab vedotin and ifinatamab deruxtecan, which have shown strong results in diffuse large B- cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), respectively. In particular, zilovertamab vedotin achieved a 100% complete response rate in untreated DLBCL, positioning the drug as a potential game-changer in the field.

Merck’s infectious disease pipeline is equally impressive, with clesrovimab showing over 90% efficacy in preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-related hospitalizations in infants. The company is also advancing adult vaccination with its 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, V116. In rare diseases, Merck’s approval of Winrevair (sotatercept-csrk) for pulmonary arterial hypertension marks a key milestone in its commitment to underserved patient populations.

Recent regulatory achievements underscore Merck’s growing momentum. The FDA accepted the BLA for clesrovimab, with potential availability by July 2025, and Keytruda was approved in China for neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Merck also achieved progress with Welireg (belzutifan) in China for von Hippel-Lindau disease- associated tumors. Additionally, Keytruda plus Lynparza (olaparib) demonstrated positive results in advanced ovarian cancer in the KEYLYNK-001 trial.

Merck’s strategic acquisitions, such as the global license agreement for LM-299 with LaNova Medicines and the acquisition of EyeBio, have strengthened its oncology and ophthalmology pipelines. Despite setbacks, including the discontinuation of the KEYVibe (vibostolimab, an anti-TIGIT antibody) and KEYFORM (favezelimab, an anti-LAG-3 antibody) programs, Merck’s pipeline remains robust, with continued progress in Phase 3 trials across multiple therapeutic areas.

Merck’s focused investment in immuno-oncology, infectious diseases, and rare diseases, along with its strategic collaborations, solidifies its position as a leading player in the pharmaceutical industry, poised to deliver transformative therapies in 2025 and beyond.