MRK · News · 20260910N
Keytruda Patent Expiration Outlook
Merck & Co., Inc. · 2026-09-10 · Importance 78 · Surprise 74 · In source text
Merck is preparing for the eventual loss of exclusivity for KEYTRUDA, its blockbuster cancer drug, by targeting a $70 billion human-health revenue pipeline by the mid-2030s, up from its earlier $50 billion estimate. The strategy spans oncology, cardiometabolic disease, ophthalmology, immunology, and HIV, supported by targeted acquisitions and new product launches. Merck expects a gradual revenue “hill” rather than a sharp “cliff” after KEYTRUDA exclusivity loss, with newer products and the Animal Health business helping offset generic competition. Antibody-drug conjugates are among the oncology pipeline investments intended to support future revenue growth.
Key facts
- Merck is preparing for the eventual loss of exclusivity for its cancer drug KEYTRUDA by targeting a $70 billion human-health revenue pipeline by the mid-2030s. source
- Merck anticipates a gradual 'hill' rather than a sharp 'cliff' in revenue post-KEYTRUDA's exclusivity loss, with newer products and its animal health business expected to offset generic competition. source
Impact estimates
| metric | direction | stage | expected | basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| revenue | negative | contingent | — | Merck is preparing for the eventual loss of exclusivity for its cancer drug KEYTRUDA by targeting a $70 billion human-health revenue… |