Merck Is Reportedly Splitting Its Pharma Division As Keytruda Patent Nears 2028 Expiry

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the drugmaker said it will reorganize its human health segment into two separate units in an effort to better position its portfolio for the years ahead.
Medicine pill is seen with Merck logo displayed on a screen in the background in this illustration photo taken in Poland on November 5, 2021. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Medicine pill is seen with Merck logo displayed on a screen in the background in this illustration photo taken in Poland on November 5, 2021. (Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Shivani Kumaresan·Stocktwits
Published Feb 23, 2026   |   6:31 AM EST
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Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) is reportedly overhauling the leadership structure of its flagship pharmaceutical division as the company prepares for looming revenue headwinds tied to its top-selling cancer therapy. 

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Rahway, New Jersey-based drugmaker said it will reorganize its human health segment into two separate units in an effort to better position its portfolio for the years ahead.

Preparing For Patent Expiration

One of the units will concentrate on cancer drugs, while the other will house the specialty, pharma, and infectious diseases business. 

The restructuring comes as Merck braces for the loss of U.S. market exclusivity for Keytruda in 2028, a development expected to invite lower-priced competition and dent sales. 

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