Merck & Co. has faced a significant setback in Europe as a Dutch court ruled against the pharmaceutical giant, halting sales of a new injectable version of its flagship cancer drug, Keytruda. The decision impacts multiple European countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The court order, issued on October 7, 2026, bars Merck’s European unit from manufacturing, selling, or stocking the subcutaneous version of Keytruda. This ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by Halozyme Therapeutics Inc., which has multiple legal actions pending against Merck.
The decision deals a blow to Merck’s efforts to extend the lifespan of its most lucrative drug ahead of upcoming patent expirations. Keytruda has been a cornerstone of Merck’s revenue, and the new injectable version was seen as a strategic move to maintain market dominance.
Halozyme, a drug delivery company, welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing its ongoing legal battles with Merck over the subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda. The ruling could have far-reaching implications for Merck’s future sales and market strategy in Europe.