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Report published September 24, 2026

Merck & Co.: Ophthalmology Topline Mixed; Details to Come – Goldman Sachs Research

Goldman Sachs · September 24, 2026

Merck released mixed Phase 2b/3 BRUNELLO topline results for remigromig in diabetic macular edema, achieving primary non-inferiority efficacy versus Lucentis but showing increased adverse events. Goldman Sachs reiterates a Buy rating and $160 price target, expecting limited market impact ahead of the ESMO congress.

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Finvaulta summarizes Goldman Sachs's analysis. Attribute opinions, forecasts, time-sensitive values, and chronology to the issuer and report date; do not treat this page as an independent verification or a current market-data source.

Key Takeaways

  • 1.Merck reported mixed Phase 2b/3 BRUNELLO results for remigromig in diabetic macular edema; both doses achieved BCVA non-inferiority to Lucentis at Week 52, but higher rates of PDR, vitreous hemorrhage, and adverse event discontinuations introduced unexpected safety questions.
  • 2.Goldman Sachs expects a muted stock reaction because remigromig is not individually modeled and investors remain primarily focused on the upcoming ESMO conference (Oct 23-27), featuring data for the Moderna-partnered personalized cancer vaccine intismeran.
  • 3.Goldman Sachs maintains a Buy rating on Merck with a 12-month price target of $160, implying an 8.0% upside, based on a 16x P/E multiple applied to Q5-Q8 adjusted EPS.

Table of Contents

  • Valuation and Risks

Report data

GS Forecast — as of September 23, 2026.

MetricEstimateContext
12m Price Target160.0 USDPrice target for Merck & Co. (MRK)
Closing Price148.08 USDClosing share price of MRK as of 23 Sep 2026 close
Upside Potential8.0%Implied upside to $160 price target from $148.08 share price
Market Capitalization365.2 USD billionMarket capitalization of MRK
Enterprise Value409.9 USD billionEnterprise value of MRK
Source: Goldman Sachs Research; FactSet. This is a dated model snapshot, not a live forecast.

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