Merck & Co. stock gains as OHTUVAYRE COPD trial starts

Published on 11/04/2026 at 17:11 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Merck & Co. stock enters a new COPD catalyst window as OHTUVAYRE moves into a Phase 3 trial. Recruitment has begun in the United States.

New COPD Trial Expands Pipeline

Merck began the ENHANCE-3 Phase 3 study of OHTUVAYRE for preventing COPD exacerbations.
The trial plans to enroll 2,136 patients across 28 countries.
Recruitment has started in the United States, with results intended to support future regulatory discussions.

Merck & Co., US58933Y1055, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

Merck has started a new Phase 3 study for OHTUVAYRE, adding a COPD development milestone to the company's pipeline. The trial launch was announced on November 3, 2026, and the company said the first patients are enrolling in the United States.

According to Merck, ENHANCE-3 will evaluate OHTUVAYRE, or ensifentrine, for preventing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in adults receiving standard care who have a history of exacerbations. The randomized study plans to enroll 2,136 patients in 28 countries.

Trial Design Sets Next Catalyst

Participants will receive twice-daily OHTUVAYRE plus standard care or placebo plus standard care. The primary endpoint is the annualized rate of adjudicated moderate or severe COPD exacerbations over 52 weeks. Secondary measures include lung function, quality of life, severe exacerbations and safety.

The program expands the potential use of OHTUVAYRE beyond its existing U.S. approval for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults. The next material catalyst is clinical evidence from ENHANCE-3, followed by any regulatory discussions based on the results.

Merck & Co. stock traded at 131.90 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 17:04 CET on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, 1.57 percent above the Xetra close of Tuesday, November 3. The quote was 1.66 percent above the 129.75-euro Lang-&-Schwarz quote in the latest relevant report on November 3 at 16:12 CET. The real-time quote of Merck & Co. stock provides the latest trading reference.