Merck Stock Drops 1.45% After Positive Phase 2b Results

Merck & Co.'s stock price dropped by 1.45 percent to EUR 129.80 on September 30, 2026, following positive Phase 2b results for tulisokibart in hidradenitis suppurativa. The company reported that the high-dose group delivered a 72.00 percent response rate and the medium-dose group reached 64.00 percent compared to 35.00 percent for placebo.

The treatment also produced HiSCR75 responses of 41.00 percent at high dose and 40.00 percent at medium dose, versus 15.00 percent for placebo. Adverse events occurred in 42.90 percent of high-dose participants and 47.60 percent of medium-dose participants, compared with 40.90 percent for placebo.

Merck's Q2 revenue beat consensus estimates, reaching USD 16.61 billion, above the USD 16.37 billion consensus estimate. Adjusted EPS was USD -0.13, better than the USD -0.26 consensus.