Japan Approves Merck's Subcutaneous Keytruda for All Indications
MRK sits 89% above its 52-week low of $77.58 on elevated volume (3.1× avg).
Summary
Japan's MHLW approved KEYTRUDA QLEX, a subcutaneous formulation of Merck's blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda, for all indications already approved in Japan. The product, branded KEYJECT in Japan, can be administered in as little as one minute every three weeks or two minutes every six weeks, versus the current intravenous infusion. This approval expands the market for Keytruda's more convenient dosing in a major oncology market and follows prior approvals in the U.S. (September 2025) and EU (November 2025). The decision was based on Phase 3 data showing comparable pharmacokinetics and efficacy to IV Keytruda. Keytruda is Merck's top-selling drug, and this approval supports continued revenue growth by improving patient access and potentially reducing healthcare resource use.
At the time of this announcement, MRK was trading at $146.78 on NYSE in the Life Sciences sector, with a market capitalization of approximately $362.4B. The 52-week trading range was $77.58 to $156.92. This news item was assessed with positive market sentiment and an importance score of 8 out of 10. Source: BusinessWire.