Merck has announced a reorganization of its human health business, dividing it into two main units: oncology and a separate group for specialty, pharma, and infectious diseases. This restructuring comes as the company prepares for the loss of exclusivity on Keytruda, its leading immuno-oncology drug, with key patents set to expire in 2028.
BMO Capital Markets commented on the decision in a note, stating, “We are positive on the move by Merck management to refocus the business into a critical period for the company where execution and visibility into that execution will be key.”
Jannie Oosthuizen has been promoted to lead the Oncology unit after previously serving as head of Merck Human Health U.S. Brian Foard joins Merck from Sanofi to oversee the Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases unit. Foard’s experience includes heading Sanofi’s Specialty Care Global Business Unit and overseeing successful launches such as Dupixent.
Both Oosthuizen and Foard will report directly to CEO Robert Davis and will join Merck’s board.
“As we advance our pipeline and drive commercial success across an increasingly diversified portfolio, including a growing pipeline across Specialty, Pharma & Infectious Diseases, we are sharpening our focus on delivering innovative medicines for patients and creating long‑term value for our stakeholders,” Davis said in a statement.
The reorganization is intended to support Merck during this transition period. The company is currently conducting 80 Phase 3 trials and expects more than 20 new growth drivers over the next few years.
BMO added, “We believe, while Merck still has work to solve, its Keytruda [loss of exclusivity], the company’s significant business and internal development has positioned the company for multiple expansion until 2028, with revenue solutions developing in later years.”
A spokesperson told BioSpace that these changes only affect senior leadership positions and do not involve layoffs.
