Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK)

Oncotelic Therapeutics is developing innovative RNA-based and nanomedicine therapies to address challenging cancers and rare diseases, with a focus on transformative treatments like OT-101 that target critical biological pathways.

HCW Biologics announced the selection of HCW11-040, a multi-functional fusion protein, as its lead product candidate for treating solid tumors. The immunotherapeutic combines pembrolizumab with specific cytokines and shows promising preclinical results in expanding T-cell responses without triggering cytokine storm.

The article analyzes two healthcare dividend stocks, Amgen and Merck, highlighting their potential for investors despite facing some market challenges. Both companies offer strong dividend yields and have strategies to manage competitive pressures in the pharmaceutical market.

The healthcare sector is experiencing low valuations and potential for a quiet rebound, with improving technical indicators and significant institutional investment despite ongoing political and economic challenges.

Merck's stock has underperformed the industry, sector, and S&P 500 this year due to various challenges, including the upcoming patent expiration of its blockbuster drug Keytruda in 2028 and declining sales of its Gardasil vaccine in China. However, the company has a promising pipeline and new products that could drive long-term growth.