Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 10% revenue growth through the first nine months of the year, with product sales growth at 11% driven by a 14% volume growth [9][10] - In Q3, revenue growth was 12%, also driven by 14% volume growth, indicating strong momentum in the business [10] - Non-GAAP research and development expenses increased by 31% year over year in Q3, with a total of approximately $200 million spent on business development [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Repatha experienced a 30% year-over-year growth over the first nine months, with significant potential for future growth due to low penetration rates in the PCSK9 therapy market [13] - Evenity also grew by 30% year over year, holding a 60% market share in the U.S. bone builder market, with a large untapped patient population [14] - Tezspire achieved a remarkable 50% growth year over year, reaching $1 billion in sales in the U.S. for severe asthma [14] - The rare disease portfolio is annualizing at nearly $5 billion, growing 12% year over year, with Uplizna growing 50% year over year [15] - The innovative oncology segment grew by 11% year over year, driven by products like Blincyto and Imdeltra [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the penetration rates for PCSK9 therapy remain low, indicating significant growth opportunities in the market [13] - The rare disease market is expanding, particularly for Uplizna, which has seen increased usage in IgG4-related diseases [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a volume-driven growth strategy, investing in innovation and science to enable longer, healthier lives [11] - Capital allocation priorities emphasize innovation, with a mid-20% allocation to R&D and a capital expenditure guide of $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion for the year [27][30] - The company is actively engaging with the government on pricing and access issues, aiming to enhance affordability for patients [32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the strong momentum of the business and pipeline, highlighting the importance of innovation in the current environment [11][27] - The company anticipates increased competitive intensity in the biosimilar market, particularly for Prolia and Xgeva, but expects growth from its six major growth drivers [46][47] Other Important Information - The company is exploring opportunities in rare diseases and remains open to business development activities, including licensing and acquisitions [55] - The company has launched Amgen Now, a direct-to-consumer program aimed at increasing access to Repatha [32][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the expectations for the impact of biosimilars on Prolia and Xgeva? - Management expects competitive intensity to increase, leading to revenue declines for Prolia and Xgeva, but anticipates growth from other product lines to offset this erosion [46][47] Question: How is the company navigating the pricing and access landscape? - The company has a history of successfully navigating pricing and access issues and remains confident in its ability to manage these challenges moving forward [36] Question: What is the company's strategy regarding rare diseases? - The company is pleased with its entry into the rare disease market and is open to further opportunities in this area, leveraging its existing capabilities [49][55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 10% revenue growth through the first nine months of the year, with product sales growth at 11% driven by a 14% volume growth [5][6] - In Q3, revenue growth was 12%, also driven by 14% volume growth [6][7] - Non-GAAP research and development expenses increased by 31% year over year in Q3, with a guidance for mid-twenty percentages for the year [8][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Repatha experienced a 30% year-over-year growth in the first nine months, with significant potential for future growth due to low penetration rates in the PCSK9 therapy market [11] - EVENITY also grew by 30% year over year, holding a 60% market share in the U.S. bone builder market [12] - TESSPIRE achieved 50% year-over-year growth, reaching $1 billion in sales in the U.S. [13] - The rare disease portfolio is annualizing at nearly $5 billion, growing 12% year over year, with Aplisna growing 50% year over year [14] - The biosimilar portfolio grew 40% year over year, now annualizing at approximately $3 billion [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that over 90% of women at high risk of fractures remain untreated, indicating significant market opportunity for EVENITY [12] - The penetration of PCSK9 therapy remains low, suggesting ample room for growth for Repatha [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a volume-driven growth strategy, investing in innovation and science to enable longer, healthier lives [6][8] - The capital allocation strategy prioritizes innovation, with a strong emphasis on research and development [26][27] - The company is actively engaging with the current administration regarding pricing and access policies, aiming to enhance affordability for patients [31][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum of the business and pipeline, highlighting strong debt paydown and ongoing investments in innovation [6][7] - The company anticipates increased competitive intensity in the biosimilar market but expects growth from its six major growth drivers [49][50] - Management remains optimistic about the potential of Meritide and its applications in various therapeutic areas [66][70] Other Important Information - The company has a capital expenditure guide of $2.2 billion to $2.3 billion for the year, focusing on optimizing network capacity [29] - The company is open to business development opportunities, including licensing and acquisitions, particularly in the rare disease space [55][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does Amgen view the momentum going into 2026? - Management highlighted strong revenue growth and volume-driven strategies, indicating optimism for continued momentum [5][6] Question: What are the capital allocation priorities? - The company prioritizes innovation, with a significant focus on research and development, while remaining open to external opportunities [26][27] Question: How is Amgen addressing the competitive landscape in biosimilars? - Management acknowledged the expected increase in competitive intensity but emphasized the growth potential from existing products and new launches [49][50] Question: What is the outlook for the rare disease portfolio? - The company expressed satisfaction with its recent acquisitions and is keen on exploring further opportunities in the rare disease market [55][56] Question: How does Amgen plan to navigate pricing and access challenges? - Management is actively engaging with the administration to ensure patient affordability and fair pricing for innovation [31][32]

Core Insights - Merck's shares have increased by 9.6% over the past month, recovering from a dip following the third-quarter earnings report, which beat estimates for earnings and sales but saw Keytruda miss sales expectations [1][3] - The company has narrowed its sales guidance while raising its EPS outlook, and the stock has shown recovery due to positive pipeline updates and the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics for approximately $9.2 billion [1][2] Keytruda's Performance - Keytruda remains Merck's most significant asset, accounting for over 50% of pharmaceutical sales, with sales reaching $23.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, an 8% increase year-over-year [4][5] - The drug's growth is driven by its uptake in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer and continued momentum in metastatic indications [5] - Merck is pursuing strategies to enhance Keytruda's long-term growth, including innovative combinations and a new subcutaneous formulation approved by the FDA [6][7] Pipeline and M&A Activity - Merck's phase III pipeline has nearly tripled since 2021, positioning the company to launch around 20 new vaccines and drugs in the coming years, including a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and a drug for pulmonary arterial hypertension [9][10] - The acquisition of Verona for $10 billion added a novel treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, enhancing Merck's cardio-pulmonary portfolio [13] Challenges and Declines - Sales of the Gardasil vaccine, Merck's second-largest product, have declined by 40% in the first nine months of 2025, primarily due to weak demand in China [14][15] - Other vaccines and diabetes products are also experiencing declining sales, raising concerns about Merck's ability to diversify its product lineup ahead of Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028 [16][17] Stock Performance and Valuation - Merck's shares have underperformed the industry and the S&P 500, losing 6.5% year-to-date compared to a 14% increase in the industry [20][21] - The company's shares are trading at a forward P/E ratio of 10.04, lower than the industry average of 16.72, indicating a potentially attractive valuation [23] Future Outlook - Despite the challenges, Merck's new products are showing strong launches, and the approval of Keytruda Qlex may mitigate the impact of Keytruda's loss of exclusivity in 2028 [28] - The company is advised to adopt a wait-and-see approach due to uncertainties surrounding Gardasil's performance, competition for Keytruda, and rising pressures on other products [30]

Market Competition - The two leading companies are facing increased competition from new entrants [1] - The established companies' large production capacity and expanding product lines provide a competitive edge [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has a strong financial profile in the near to medium term, with positive cash flow and a growing balance sheet [4] - The potential for meaningful product flow is highlighted, particularly in oncology and immunology markets [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on MPNs (myeloproliferative neoplasms) and has a pipeline that includes five different targeted therapies at various stages of development [11][12] - The launch of Jakafi XR is planned for 2026, which is expected to preserve some revenue from Jakafi during the transition period [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ET (essential thrombocythemia) market is estimated to be around $5 billion, with a significant portion of that market being relevant for targeted therapies like 989 [19][20] - The total addressable market (TAM) for MPN therapies is projected to be approximately $7.5 billion, with the potential for significant penetration [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to create a new standard of care for MPNs, focusing on targeted therapies rather than traditional treatments [11] - There is a strategic emphasis on building a product line that can generate long-term durable revenue and earnings over the next decade [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to convert scientific advancements into business results, emphasizing the depth of scientific expertise within the organization [5] - The management team is optimistic about the potential for product flow and the company's positioning in structurally attractive markets [4] Other Important Information - The company is also focusing on its immunology franchise, with Opsilura and Povo showing strong growth potential [49][50] - Opsilura is expected to grow at a double-digit rate, with potential expansion opportunities in Europe and indications for moderate AD [50][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the opportunity in the ET market? - Management highlighted that while ET is considered an indolent disease, it is not benign and can have serious consequences, indicating a significant market opportunity for targeted therapies [19][21] Question: How is the pivotal trial design for ET being approached? - The company plans to have a straightforward design for the pivotal trial, focusing on complete hematologic response and potentially incorporating novel endpoints [24][26] Question: What is the status of the 617F program? - The 617F program remains a priority, with ongoing data collection and a belief in its potential to benefit patients with the mutation [46][48] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape in immunology? - The company acknowledges the competitive intensity in the HS market but believes in the unique benefits of Povo, particularly regarding pain relief and flare control [52][55] Question: What are the expectations for the oncology pipeline? - Management is excited about upcoming data presentations, particularly for the G12D program and TGF beta receptor two by PD-one bispecific, with a focus on demonstrating competitive profiles [71][73]