(Reuters) – Merck & Co Inc (N:) beat analysts’ estimates for quarterly profit on Tuesday on strong demand for its blockbuster cancer drug, Keytruda, but expects coronavirus-led lockdowns to weigh on the treatment’s sales in the next few quarters.
Merck, which lowered its full-year 2020 profit forecast, said roughly 66% of its revenue is made up of drugs that are administered at a doctor’s office, including Keytruda, and social distancing measures are hitting their sales.
“The company anticipates reduced demand for its physician-administered products while pandemic-related access measures remain in place,” Merck said.
The company also said it was suspending its share buyback program.
Sales of Keytruda jumped 45% in the first quarter to $3.28 billion.
Net income attributable to shareholders rose to $3.22 billion, or $1.26 per share, in the quarter from $2.92 billion, or $1.12 per share, a year earlier.
Excluding items, Merck earned $1.50 per share, beating estimates of $1.34 per share, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.
The company now expects full-year adjusted profit of $5.17 to $5.37 per share, down from its prior estimate of $5.62 to $5.77 per share.
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