Merck & Co.

Pharmaceutical giant pivoting toward respiratory vaccines and antivirals as traditional small-molecule drugs face patent cliffs. - Expanding infectious disease portfolio through $9.2B Cidara acquisition

Sanofi dropped $2.2 billion on December 24, 2025 to acquire Dynavax, a California biotech with a two-dose hepatitis B vaccine and a shingles shot in development. The 39% premium signals desperation: Sanofi is playing catch-up in a vaccine market projected to hit $37.2 billion by 2033, driven by the largest aging population in human history. By 2050, 2.1 billion people will be over 60—triple the population over 80. The deal is expected to close in Q1 2026 pending Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance and other customary regulatory approvals.[1]

Updated Feb 4

The maker of Keytruda—the world's best-selling drug—seeking its successor before patent expiration. - Co-developer and commercialization partner

Cancer vaccines have promised to train the immune system against tumors for decades. None has delivered a durable, replicable benefit—until now. On January 20, 2026, Moderna and Merck reported that their personalized mRNA vaccine, combined with the immunotherapy Keytruda, cut the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 49% at five years in a Phase 2b trial of 157 patients. The sustained result—identical to the three-year mark—suggests the vaccine permanently reprograms immune surveillance rather than offering temporary protection.

Updated Jan 25