Merck Soars On Cancer Vaccine Trial Win With Moderna, More Upside Ahead

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) broke out to all-time highs on Wednesday, August 19, following positive top-line results from the Phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial evaluating its blockbuster therapy Keytruda in combination with its vaccine candidate in patients with melanoma.

MRK maintains a Buy rating, citing strong oncology growth, robust free cash flow, and technical breakout potential. Despite a GAAP loss from a strategic acquisition, MRK’s forward-normalized profit path and capital allocation remain healthy. MRK stock valuation supports further upside, with a $172–$195 price target range and technical support at $135.