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PLEASANTON, Calif. - Merck (NYSE:MRK), a pharmaceutical giant with a market capitalization of over $200 billion and rated "GREAT" on InvestingPro’s Financial Health Score, has committed to implementing Veeva Systems’ (NYSE:VEEV) Vault CRM solution, according to a press release issued Monday. The pharmaceutical company will use the customer relationship management platform to support what it describes as one of the most significant launch periods in its history across multiple therapeutic areas.
The agreement expands the existing strategic partnership between the two companies. Vault CRM is part of Veeva’s suite of applications designed for commercial execution across personal and digital channels in the life sciences industry. Merck, which has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years and boasts a robust gross profit margin of 77%, continues to strengthen its operational capabilities.
"Vault CRM will provide Merck the technology foundation to drive commercial execution," said Dave Williams, executive vice president and chief information and digital officer at Merck, in the statement.
Peter Gassner, Veeva CEO, expressed appreciation for the expanded partnership with Merck, which is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada.
The Vault CRM Suite includes capabilities to address region-specific business and compliance requirements for global pharmaceutical companies.
The announcement comes as Merck prepares for multiple product launches across diverse therapeutic areas and treatment modalities. The press release did not specify which products are scheduled for launch or provide a timeline for the implementation of the new CRM system.
In other recent news, Merck has initiated Phase 3 clinical trials for its investigational HIV prevention drug, MK-8527. These trials, named EXPrESSIVE-11 and EXPrESSIVE-10, will take place across multiple countries and focus on evaluating the drug’s efficacy compared to existing treatments. Additionally, Merck’s $10 billion acquisition of Verona Pharma has garnered attention, with UBS maintaining a Buy rating for Merck and highlighting the strategic value of the deal. In contrast, Cantor Fitzgerald has kept a Neutral rating on Merck, noting potential benefits to the company’s growth profile. The U.S. FDA has also accepted Merck’s application for a new two-drug HIV treatment, doravirine/islatravir, with a target action date set for April 2026. The treatment has shown promising results in Phase 3 trials. Meanwhile, Jefferies downgraded Verona Pharma from Buy to Hold following the acquisition announcement, citing the premium Merck is paying for Verona. The acquisition is expected to close by the fourth quarter of 2025, giving Merck access to Verona’s COPD treatment, Ohtuvayre. These developments reflect Merck’s active engagement in expanding its pharmaceutical portfolio and advancing its HIV treatment options.
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