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1. 03 December 2020 BetterInvesting™ Magazine Chooses United Rentals As "Growth" Stock and Merck As "Undervalued" For March 2021 Issue

   MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Dec. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee of BetterInvesting Magazine today announced United Rentals Inc. (NYSE:URI) as its "Stock to Study" and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) its "Undervalued Stock" in the March 2021 issue for investors' informational and educational use.

   "Given the record-breaking highs of various indices, the committee reminds investors to evaluate the fundamentals of individual companies, not just in terms of selecting wisely stocks to buy, but also in reviewing the risk contained within their current portfolio," said Ken Zendel, CEO of BetterInvesting / National Association of Investors Corp.

   Check BetterInvesting's March 2021 issue for more details about these…

   MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Dec. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee of BetterInvesting Magazine today announced United Rentals Inc. (NYSE:URI) as its "Stock to Study" and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) its "Undervalued Stock" in the March 2021 issue for investors' informational and educational use.

   "Given the record-breaking highs of various indices, the committee reminds investors to evaluate the fundamentals of individual companies, not just in terms of selecting wisely stocks to buy, but also in reviewing the risk contained within their current portfolio," said Ken Zendel, CEO of BetterInvesting / National Association of Investors Corp.

   Check BetterInvesting's March 2021 issue for more details about these stock selections. Go to the trial version of BetterInvesting's online tools to study the investment potential of United Rentals and Merck by viewing their fundamental data and applying judgments.

   Committee members are Robert M. Bilkie, Jr., CFA; Daniel J. Boyle, CFA; Marisa Bradbury, CFA; Philip Keating, CFA; Philip S. Dano, CFA; and Walter J. Kirchberger, CFA.

   As stated, the BetterInvesting committee's Stock to Study and Undervalued Stock choices are for the informational and educational uses of investors and are not intended as investment recommendations. BetterInvesting urges investors to educate themselves about the stock market so they can make informed decisions about stock purchases.

   About BetterInvesting:

   BetterInvesting, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit, investment education organization, has been empowering everyday Americans since 1951. Also known as the National Association of Investors Corporation (NAIC), we have helped more than 5 million people from all walks of life learn how to improve their financial future. BetterInvesting is dedicated to providing unbiased, in-depth investing education and powerful online stock analysis tools in order to create successful lifelong investors. BetterInvesting staff along with a dedicated community of volunteers across America teach the organization's principles and time-tested methodology to both individuals and investment clubs. For more information about BetterInvesting, please visit www.betterinvesting.org.

   Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

   CONTACT: 877-275-6242

   View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/betterinvesting-magazine-chooses-united-rentals-as-growth-stock-and-merck-as-undervalued-for-march-2021-issue-301186223.html

   SOURCE NAIC-BetterInvesting

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2. 30 November 2020 Merck to Present at the 2020 Evercore ISI 3rd Annual HealthCONx Virtual Conference

   Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that Robert M. Davis, chief financial officer and executive vice president, Merck Global Services, is scheduled to participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Evercore ISI 3rd Annual HealthCONx Conference on Dec. 2, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. EST.

   Investors, analysts, members of the media and the general public are invited to listen to a live audio webcast of the presentation at https://www.merck.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/.

   About Merck

   For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in…

   Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that Robert M. Davis, chief financial officer and executive vice president, Merck Global Services, is scheduled to participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Evercore ISI 3rd Annual HealthCONx Conference on Dec. 2, 2020, at 9:40 a.m. EST.

   Investors, analysts, members of the media and the general public are invited to listen to a live audio webcast of the presentation at https://www.merck.com/investor-relations/events-and-presentations/.

   About Merck

   For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

   Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

   This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

   Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

   The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

   

   View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201130005285/en/

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3. 23 November 2020 Merck Animal Health Survey Reveals First-Time Dog Owners Need Support

   MADISON, N.J., Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the US and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced a new survey about first-time dog owners and whether or not they were prepared for pet parenthood. Results from the "Embracing Pet Care for Life" survey revealed that taking care of a new pet, especially during a pandemic, may not be as simple as one may think.

   

   Survey results indicated that 70% of all dog owners would like to learn new ways to keep their dog healthy.

   While many people found comfort during the COVID-19 pandemic by bringing home new dogs for companionship, the survey found that 73% of those who became dog owners for the first time this year have considered re-homing once the pandemic ends.¹ This is likely driven by a lack of knowledge of what it takes to care for a pet, as one in four (25%) also claim they don't have enough information to properly care for their dog. In fact, among new dog owners who brought home puppies this year, more than half (58%) say they wish taking care of their pet's health didn't take so much time, and 33% were surprised to find out how much it costs to care for their pet.  

   "Based on our recent survey, it appears the pandemic has intensified some of the challenges faced by many new dog owners," said Christine Royal, DVM, Executive Director of Veterinary Professional Services, Merck Animal Health. "While people may have brought home a pet during the pandemic for all the right reasons, the reality is that pet ownership takes knowledge, preparation and patience. This reality is sometimes overshadowed by the excitement of bringing home a new pet. As a result, first-time pet owners who brought home a dog or puppy during the pandemic are experiencing a few more challenges compared to experienced pet owners. Luckily, there are several ways to streamline pet care that can improve the health and well-being of both dog owners and their furry friends."  

   Survey results indicated that 70% of all dog owners would like to learn new ways to keep their dog healthy, whether a puppy or fully grown. First-time and experienced pet owners should work with their veterinarian to establish a balanced healthcare regimen and find effective solutions to provide their dog with the best care throughout its lifespan. As a company dedicated to improving the health and well-being of pets and those who care for them, the following data and advice that stemmed from Merck Animal Health's "Embracing Pet Care for Life" survey will help address the concerns of new pet owners and allow them to better navigate the world of responsible dog ownership. 

   Expel Excess Energy
   
   More than one-third (38%) of pandemic puppy owners say they were surprised by how much attention their pet requires. Additionally, one-third (33%) of the people who became dog owners for the first time during the pandemic ("pandemic first-time dog owners") and are now considering re-homing their dog cited their dog's high energy as a contributing factor.

   • Pet Care Tip: For those with pets that have excessive energy, try taking them on shorter, more frequent walks throughout the day. Pet activity trackers, such as Sure Petcare's Animo^®, also can help by monitoring a dog's activity and sending alerts if there are any changes in behavior, so their owners can then make adjustments as needed. Always remember that excessive energy is common in dogs of all ages as they get accustomed to a new home.

   Protect Puppies from Parasites
   
   One-third (35%) of pandemic first-time dog owners say giving their dog flea and tick preventative treatments has been an unexpected hurdle, ranking this responsibility as even more difficult than housebreaking. With this in mind, it comes to no surprise that nearly one-third (29%) of all pandemic puppy owners, including both experienced and first-time dog owners, said they were surprised to learn how much parasites can impact their dog's health.

   • Pet Care Tip: For many pandemic puppy owners who were surprised by how much parasites can impact their dog's health; the key is to make sure young pups are protected. Puppies eight weeks of age or older can use BRAVECTO^® (fluralaner) 1-MONTH Chews to protect them from fleas and ticks until six months of age before transitioning to the extended duration chew for adult dogs. Puppies can also be exposed to internal intestinal parasites, so it's important for dog owners to think about complementary products such as SENTINEL^® SPECTRUM^® Chews (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron, and praziquantel), which offer broad-spectrum, internal and external parasite protection against six different kind of parasites in dogs and puppies. Just remember to always talk to a veterinarian about the proper medications and dosage for puppies.

   Simplify Parasite Prevention for Adult Dogs
   
   Only slightly more than half (57%) of pandemic first-time dog owners consider themselves knowledgeable about their pet's preventative healthcare such as parasite prevention, even though most of them originally thought they were adequately or even overly prepared before bringing a new dog home. Additionally, 37% of people who already owned dogs have been spending more time with their four-legged companions outside since the pandemic started, which includes taking them on more walks (38%), going hiking (14%), camping (11%) and bringing them to parks more often (18%). As a result, they are potentially exposing their dog(s) to more fleas and ticks than usual, making parasite protection critical.

   • Pet Care Tip: Parasite protection is something that remains critical throughout a dog's lifetime. Keep it simple and effective as dogs age by transitioning them to BRAVECTO^® (fluralaner) Chews, a single dose with extended duration provides 12 weeks² of flea and tick protection for dogs six months and older, taking the hassle of monthly dosing off the doggie to-do list. Knowing parasite protection is critical to a dog's long-term health and well-being, pet owners should talk to their veterinarian about preventative products, such as BRAVECTO and SENTINEL^® SPECTRUM^® Chews, that fight against the most common, harmful parasites that affect dogs inside and out. 

   Maintain a Preventative Care Schedule
   
   Nearly one-fourth of pandemic first-time dog owners (22%) report they have encountered unexpected challenges when trying to schedule veterinary appointments. Approximately one-third (27%) of people who owned dogs prior to the pandemic said this was a challenge for them, as well.

   • Pet Care Tip: Regular veterinarian visits are key to preventing health issues among dogs, especially when it comes to recommended core vaccinations that protect them from serious diseases. A monthly schedule can help. Talk to your veterinarian about a preventative care schedule and try not to skip any appointments. Also, keep in mind that recommendations for some vaccines and other preventative measures may vary depending on the dog's overall lifestyle, activity levels and local climate, so talk to a veterinarian about your dog's unique needs.

   Recognize Your Veterinary Team is a Valuable Resource – Even Virtually
   
   Overall, more than half of pandemic dog owners say they wish taking care of their dog's health was easier and less time consuming (57% and 56%, respectively). Nearly half of pre-pandemic dog owners feel the same way (46% and 34%, respectively); however, only 19% of them say they have spoken to their vet more often during the pandemic.

   • Pet Care Tip: Your entire veterinary team can be a great resource for pet care advice, including the veterinarian nurses at your local clinic. As a pet owner, consider writing down all pet care questions and/or challenges in advance to gather trustworthy advice from the veterinarian during the next visit. And for dog owners having trouble scheduling in-person or curbside veterinary appointments, ask the veterinary team about telemedicine and if a virtual visit is possible. 

   "The increased interest in pet parenting has been incredibly heartening, particularly given the emotional strain caused by the global pandemic. It's inspiring to see thousands of families opening their doors and their hearts to welcome new pets into their home," said Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVS-SA, veterinary surgeon at Vetsurg. "As veterinary professionals, we aim to make these transitions a success and want pets to stay in their forever home. My goal is to always empower people to be the best pet parents they possibly can. I encourage all new pet families to foster an open and trusting dialogue with their veterinary medical team. Don't be afraid to ask for help or get your questions answered. With these pet care tips in mind, you'll be able to enjoy each other's company for a long time."

   For more information and professional advice on how to embrace pet care for life, visit merck-animal-health-usa.com and follow Merck Animal Health on social media.

   Survey Methodology
   
   This online survey of 1,381 dog owners in the U.S. was sponsored by Merck Animal Health and fielded by Toluna from September 25, 2020 to October 1, 2020.

   About BRAVECTO^® (fluralaner)

   Since its introduction in 2014, BRAVECTO has provided longer-lasting flea and tick protection with more than 125 million doses distributed in 85 countries. BRAVECTO is available in a variety of extended-duration formulations, including products for both dogs and cats 6 months of age or older, as one treatment with BRAVECTO lasts up to 12 weeks, protects almost three times longer than monthly treatments and is proven to kill fleas on dogs and cats and to eliminate them from the home.ⁱ BRAVECTO products are only available through licensed veterinarians.

   BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews are for dogs 8 weeks of age and older. Side effects may include itching, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, elevated ALT, lethargy, and weight loss. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class. This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders. BRAVECTO 1-MONTH Chews are not effective against A. americanum in puppies less than 6 months of age.

   BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs are for dogs 6 months of age or older, and is safe for pregnant, breeding and lactating dogs.  Side effects may include vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst and flatulence. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

   The most commonly reported adverse reactions include vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, lethargy, polydipsia, and flatulence. BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs have not been shown to be effective for 12-weeks' duration in puppies less than 6 months of age. BRAVECTO Chews are not effective against lone star ticks beyond 8 weeks of dosing. Fluralaner is a member of the isoxazoline class.  This class has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Seizures have been reported in dogs receiving isoxazoline class drugs, even in dogs without a history of seizures. Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures or neurologic disorders.

   **BRAVECTO Chews for Dogs kill fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO Chews also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.

   About SENTINEL^®
   
   With convenient and effective once-a-month dosing, SENTINEL^® branded products protect against fleas and common intestinal parasites. Available by prescription only, SENTINEL^® SPECTRUM^® Chews (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron, and praziquantel) is the only monthly oral preventative medicine that gives protection against six different kind of parasites including tapeworms, while offering a soft beef and bacon flavored chew that dogs love.¹ SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews offer prevention of heartworms disease, while treating and controlling adult stages of tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. With lufenuron, SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews prevent flea eggs from hatching, therefore controlling the development of flea populations. SENTINEL SPECTRUM Chews are indicated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis; for the prevention and control of flea populations (Ctenocephalides felis); and for the treatment and control of adult roundworm (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina), adult hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), adult whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), and adult tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia pisiformis, Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus) infections in dogs and puppies two pounds of body weight or greater and six weeks of age and older.

   SENTINEL^® FLAVOR TABS^® (milbemycin oxime, lufenuron) provide protection against five different kinds of parasites. Available by prescription only, SENTINEL Flavor Tabs is a monthly oral tab indicated for use in dogs and puppies, four weeks of age and older, and two pounds of body weight or greater. SENTINEL Flavor Tabs are also designated for the prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis; for the prevention and control of flea populations; the control of adult Ancylostoma caninum (hookworm); and the removal and control of adult Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina (roundworm) and Trichuris vulpis (whipworm) infections. Lufenuron controls flea populations by preventing the development of flea eggs and does not kill adult fleas. Concurrent use of an adulticide product may be necessary for adequate control of adult fleas.

   Important Safety Information:

   SENTINEL^® FLAVOR TABS^®: Dogs should be tested for heartworm prior to use. In a small percentage of treated dogs, digestive, neurologic, and skin side effects may occur. For complete product information refer to the product insert.

   SENTINEL^® SPECTRUM^® CHEWS: Dogs should be tested for heartworm prior to use. Mild hypersensitivity reactions have been noted in some dogs carrying a high number of circulating microfilariae. Treatment with fewer than 6 monthly doses after the last exposure to mosquitoes may not provide complete heartworm prevention. For complete product information refer to the product insert.

   About Sure Petcare
   
   Sure Petcare, the pet technology specialist, provides pet products that empower owners to care for their pets in entirely new ways. Founded in 2007, we have developed an award-winning range of microchip-operated pet doors and feeders, which solve many problems commonly experienced by pet owners. Sure Petcare™, along with HomeAgain^®, is a Companion Animal portfolio of digital products within Merck Animal Health. For more information, visit www.surepetcare.com.

   About Merck Animal Health
   
   For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals^®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn , Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.

   Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA
   
   This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

   Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

   The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).   

   ¹ Data on file.

   ² Williams et al. Fluralaner, a novel isoxazoline, prevents flea (Ctenocephalides felis) reproduction in vitro and in a simulated home environment. Parasites & Vectors (2014) 7:275.

   Merck Media Contact:

   Laurel Mundth +1 (908) 872-9783

    

   

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   SOURCE Merck & Co., Inc.

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4. 23 November 2020 Merck Submits Applications for Licensure of V114, the Company's Investigational 15-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine, for Use in Adults to the U.S. FDA and European Medicines Agency

   Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced the company has submitted applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for licensure of V114, Merck's investigational 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, for use in adults 18 years of age and older. The company awaits acceptance of the submissions by the U.S. and European regulatory authorities.

   "For more than a century, Merck inventors have developed vaccines that help tackle some of society's biggest public health challenges, and that heritage is reflected today in our pneumococcal vaccine portfolio," said Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, chief medical…

   Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced the company has submitted applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) for licensure of V114, Merck's investigational 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, for use in adults 18 years of age and older. The company awaits acceptance of the submissions by the U.S. and European regulatory authorities.

   "For more than a century, Merck inventors have developed vaccines that help tackle some of society's biggest public health challenges, and that heritage is reflected today in our pneumococcal vaccine portfolio," said Dr. Roy Baynes, senior vice president and head of global clinical development, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories. "These submissions for V114 help bring us closer to offering more options to help protect against pneumococcal disease."

   The regulatory applications for licensure of V114 include results from Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical studies in a variety of adult populations, including healthy adults and those at increased risk, such as adults with chronic medical conditions, adults with HIV, and those 65 years of age and older.

   About V114

   V114 is Merck's investigational 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate for the prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults and children. V114 consists of pneumococcal polysaccharides from 15 serotypes conjugated to a CRM197 carrier protein and includes serotypes 22F and 33F, which are commonly associated with invasive pneumococcal disease in older adults worldwide and are not contained in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine currently licensed for use in adults. An overview of the late-stage development program for V114 is available here.

   V114 previously received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease in pediatric patients 6 weeks to 18 years of age and adults 18 years of age and older.

   Merck's Commitment to Infectious Diseases

   For more than 100 years, Merck has contributed to the discovery and development of novel medicines and vaccines to combat infectious diseases. In addition to a combined portfolio of vaccines and antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal medicines, Merck has multiple programs that span discovery through late-stage development. To learn more about Merck's infectious diseases pipeline, visit www.merck.com.

   About Merck

   For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

   Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

   This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

   Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

   The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

   

   View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201123005573/en/

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5. 23 November 2020 Merck to Acquire OncoImmune

   Acquisition adds to Merck's suite of clinical programs in response to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

   Merck will accelerate development of CD24Fc, a candidate for the treatment of patients with severe and critical COVID-19

   Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and OncoImmune, a privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire all outstanding shares of OncoImmune for an upfront payment of $425 million in cash. In addition, OncoImmune shareholders will be eligible to receive sales-based payments and payments contingent on the successful achievement of certain regulatory milestones…

   Acquisition adds to Merck's suite of clinical programs in response to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

   Merck will accelerate development of CD24Fc, a candidate for the treatment of patients with severe and critical COVID-19

   Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and OncoImmune, a privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which Merck, through a subsidiary, will acquire all outstanding shares of OncoImmune for an upfront payment of $425 million in cash. In addition, OncoImmune shareholders will be eligible to receive sales-based payments and payments contingent on the successful achievement of certain regulatory milestones. OncoImmune recently announced positive top-line findings from an interim efficacy analysis of a Phase 3 study evaluating its lead therapeutic candidate CD24Fc for the treatment of patients with severe and critical COVID-19.

   This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201123005593/en/

   "Meaningful new therapeutic options are desperately needed for possibly millions of people around the world who will develop severe or critical COVID-19 disease," said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, President Merck Research Laboratories. "Recent clinical investigations support the view that CD24Fc may provide benefit beyond standard of care therapy for COVID-19 patients requiring oxygen support, and hence will represent an important addition to the Merck pipeline of investigational medicines and vaccines designed to address the COVID-19 pandemic."

   Interim analysis of data from 203 participants (75% of the planned enrollment) reported by OncoImmune indicated that patients with severe or critical COVID-19 treated with a single dose of CD24Fc showed a 60% higher probability of improvement in clinical status, as defined by the protocol, compared to placebo. The risk of death or respiratory failure was reduced by more than 50%. Detailed results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal.

   "Outstanding work by the OncoImmune team has provided compelling evidence regarding the use of CD24Fc in patients with severe and critical COVID-19 in our Phase 3 Trial," said Yang Liu, PhD, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of OncoImmune. "We look forward to working with the scientists and manufacturing engineers at Merck as well as regulators as we seek to accelerate the global development of this potentially important therapy."

   Under the agreement, prior to the completion of the acquisition, OncoImmune will spin-out certain rights and assets unrelated to the CD24Fc program to a new entity to be owned by the existing shareholders of OncoImmune. In connection with the closing of the acquisition, Merck will invest $50 million, and become a minority shareholder, in the new entity.

   The closing of the acquisition, which is subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions, is expected before the end of 2020.

   OncoImmune was represented by Goodwin Procter LLP as legal advisor and Guggenheim Securities as financial advisor.

   About SAC-COVID Phase 3 Trial

   The SAC-COVID Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT04317040) is a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CD24Fc in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen support, including those requiring supplemental oxygen, high flow oxygen, and mechanical ventilation. Participants were randomly assigned into two arms receiving either standard of care plus a single dose of CD24Fc via an intravenous infusion on Day 1 or standard of care plus placebo on Day 1. The multi-center trial was initiated in April 2020 and had enrolled 243 patients when the trial was closed to enrollment in September 2020.

   About CD24Fc

   OncoImmune's lead product is CD24Fc, a first-in-class recombinant fusion protein that targets the innate immune system. Prior to the Phase 3 clinical trial for COVID-19 patients, CD24Fc has been studied for safety in healthy volunteers and in Phase 2 clinical trials for the prevention of graft versus host disease (GVHD) following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with leukemia. A pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT04095858) for prophylaxis of GVHD has been initiated nationwide.

   About Merck's ongoing Commitment to COVID-19

   Merck has been committed to developing an effective response to COVID-19 since the early stage of the pandemic and is exploring multiple paths to advance the understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection. In collaboration with Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, Merck is evaluating molnupiravir, an investigational orally available anti-viral candidate, in two Phase 2/3 trials, for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.The company is also conducting clinical trials to evaluate two SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine candidates: V590, being developed through a collaboration with IAVI, which utilizes a recombinant vesicular stomatitis vector, and V591 which uses a measles virus vector-based platform.

   About OncoImmune

   OncoImmune is a privately-held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is actively engaged in the discovery and development of novel biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease.

   The company's lead therapeutic candidate CD24Fc has a novel mechanism of action that has potential applications to a number of inflammatory diseases and has shown good safety and tolerability in a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers. Clinical activity has been observed in two Phase 2 trials in GVHD and the Phase 3 trial in COVID-19. In addition to CD24Fc, OncoImmune has a rich pipeline of immuno-oncology candidates that will be the focus of the new spinout. OncoImmune has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating a novel CTLA-4 antibody candidate that selectively eliminates immune suppressive regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment while preserving their physiological function to protect host against autoimmune diseases (NCT04140526). Visit www.oncoimmune.com.

   About Merck

   For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

   Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

   This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

   Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of the recent global outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

   The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

   

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