Merck Diversifies Pipeline as Keytruda Patent Expiration Looms

Merck's future is no longer solely reliant on its top-selling cancer therapy Keytruda, according to CEO Rob Davis. The company has diversified its portfolio with a new pipeline of products that could generate $70 billion in revenue by the mid-2030s. This comes as Merck faces the eventual patent expiration of Keytruda.

Davis highlighted several new drugs, including Winrevair, a treatment for a rare lung disease, and Lipfendra, a cholesterol-lowering pill. He also mentioned the rollout of Keytruda QLEX, an injectable version of the company's flagship cancer drug that can be administered in under two minutes.

Merck has invested heavily in internal research and acquisitions over the past five years to build its next generation of medicines. The company spent $65 billion on business development, bringing in several important assets through this process.