Merck KGaA Says It Plans One New Drug Launch Every One and a Half Years

By Cecilia Butini

Merck KGaA said Monday that it plans to introduce one new healthcare product every one and a half years as it seeks to double research and development in oncology, neurology and immunology.

The German healthcare and technology company said more than 50% of future launches will result from co-development partnerships with external companies and in-licensing of assets.

The next wave of launches are expected to come from phase-3 trials of head-and-neck cancer medicine xevinapant and evobrutinib, a potential treatment for relapsing multiple sclerosis, the company said.

Merck's expected new launches could be either for new drugs or for new uses of existing drugs, it said.

Write to Cecilia Butini at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

11-21-22 0748ET