Merck & Company, Inc. (MRK) Stock News and Forecasts: FDA Fast-Track Signals, BMO Upgrade, and a New Keytruda–Padcev Win (Dec. 18, 2025)
December 18, 2025 — Merck & Company, Inc. (NYSE: MRK) is back in the spotlight for investors today as three threads converge: a fresh Wall Street upgrade tied to Merck’s post‑Keytruda strategy, a potentially meaningful FDA fast‑track development for two pipeline assets, and new Phase 3 momentum for the company’s blockbuster oncology franchise in earlier‑stage bladder cancer. Merck shares traded around $101 intraday on Thursday, reflecting a modest gain versus the prior close, as markets absorbed a busy stream of pharma catalysts and analyst commentary. StockAnalysis Below is a comprehensive, publication‑ready roundup of the key news, forecasts, and analyses dated