8 Best Low Volatility Stocks To Buy Right Now

6. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)

5-year Beta (Monthly): 0.41

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 86

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a prominent global healthcare company that focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of a wide range of pharmaceutical products. With a strong product pipeline, the company is particularly well-known for Keytruda, a leading immuno-oncology treatment that has achieved significant success in treating various cancers.

Keytruda remains a key driver of the company’s growth, although the U.S. patent exclusivity for the drug is set to expire in 2028. To address this challenge, Merck (NYSE:MRK) is working on a subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda, aimed at targeting an estimated 50% of the patient population projected for the drug by 2028.

In addition to its efforts with Keytruda, it is taking proactive steps to strengthen its pipeline. Merck (NYSE:MRK) recently partnered with LaNova Medicines, a privately held Chinese biopharma firm, to develop LM-299, a bispecific antibody. LM-299 is an experimental drug that targets two important proteins: PD-1 and VEGF. By blocking these proteins, it aims to boost the immune system and prevent the growth of new blood vessels, which can support cancer growth.

Furthermore, on December 16, the company announced a licensing agreement with Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharma company. Under the terms of this deal, it has acquired exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize HS-10535, a preclinical-stage candidate with potential applications in treating cardiometabolic disorders such as obesity and possibly type 2 diabetes.