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Merck and Gilead partnership highlights pharma growth beyond head-to-head rivals
Merck reported $16.3 billion in first-quarter 2026 sales, while Gilead posted $7.0 billion in total revenue, underscoring how alliances can shape oncology and virology growth strategies.
Yahoo Finance characterizes the Merck and Gilead partnership as a way for biopharma companies to accelerate development without relying solely on competing head-to-head in drug development.
The outlet says Merck reported $16.3 billion in total sales for the first quarter of 2026, up 5% year over year, with Keytruda generating $8.0 billion, plus Winrevair contributing $525 million, up 87% ex-exchange.
It also notes that Merck’s first-quarter results included GAAP and non-GAAP net losses per share of $1.72 and $1.28, respectively, largely tied to upfront charges related to the acquisition of Cidara Therapeutics, even as Merck narrowed and raised its full-year worldwide sales guidance midpoint to a range of $65.8 billion to $67.0 billion.
Yahoo Finance adds that Gilead reported $7.0 billion in total revenue for the first quarter of 2026, with 5% year-over-year product sales growth, and highlights that its HIV franchise generated $5.0 billion in sales, up 10% year over year, supported by Biktarvy and newly launched HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis therapy Yeztugo (lenacapavir).