Merck Overhauls Leadership as Keytruda Patent Expiration Looms
Merck & Co., Inc., the pharmaceutical giant based in New Jersey, is overhauling its leadership structure to prepare for the looming loss of U.S. market exclusivity for Keytruda in 2028.
The company announced that it will split its human health segment into two separate units: Oncology and Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases.
Merck named Jannie Oosthuizen as executive vice president and president of Oncology and MSD International, while Brian Foard will lead the Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases unit.
The restructuring is aimed at bolstering the company's pipeline and cushioning the anticipated slowdown in Keytruda sales. Merck has spent heavily on acquisitions to bolster its portfolio, and it currently has around 80 Phase 3 trials underway.