Breaking News: Merck Stock Soars Following Announcement of New Cancer Drug Approval

FDA Approves Keytruda for Advanced Lung Cancer, Boosting Company's Outlook

Stock Price Jumps 15% in Pre-Market Trading

In a major development for the pharmaceutical industry, Merck Co Inc (MRK) has announced the approval of its new cancer drug, Keytruda, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Keytruda has been approved for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer, a significant unmet medical need.

The approval is based on clinical trial results demonstrating Keytruda's effectiveness in extending the survival of patients with advanced lung cancer. The drug is designed to block the PD-1 protein, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system. By blocking PD-1, Keytruda enables the immune system to fight cancer more effectively.

The FDA's approval has sent Merck's stock soaring in pre-market trading. Shares of MRK gained over 15% in the initial hours, indicating investor confidence in the drug's potential.