Merck cardiovascular franchise set for ‘resurgence,’ says Mizuho

Mizuho analyst Mara Goldstein says Merck’s cardiovascular franchise "appears set for resurgence" with sotatercept and MK-0616. These could be key contributors during Keytruda’s "vulnerable" loss of exclusivity years and beyond, the analyst tells investors in a research note. Based on the strength of sotatercept results in pulmonary arterial hypertension and possibility of expansion into earlier and other treatment settings, the firm raised its 2029 risk-adjusted product forecast to $1.4B from $900M, based on improved risk profile and commercial potential. It keeps a Buy rating on Merck shares with a $130 price target.