Here are updates on two of your buys

Article Excerpt

Long-time readers know that we aim to keep you informed of important news about the stocks we cover. That means highlighting developments and plans that promise to bolster investor gains. Here are two buys that stand out this month: MERCK & CO., $95.68, is a buy. The drugmaker (New York symbol MRK; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average) (www.merck.com; Shares o/s: 2.5 billion; Market cap: $243.5 billion; Yield: 3.4%) is now making a foray into the lucrative obesity market. The company has announced that it is licensing global rights to an investigational oral GLP-1 receptor, HS-10535, from Chinese biotech Hansoh Pharma. Merck will make an upfront payment of $112 million to Hansoh Pharma, with Hansoh also being entitled to receive up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments and royalties on sales. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are presently dominating the obesity market with their weekly GLP-1 injections, Zepbound and Wegovy, respectively. Lilly and Novo Nordisk also market their diabetes drugs, Mounjaro and Ozempic, off-label for weight loss. Oral pills…