From extricating Daiichi Sankyo from the Ranbaxy acquisition to enabling the rapid development of blockbuster Enhertu, George Nakayama has had a winding career path through multiple key strategic positions and decisions. He shares his experience and insights, and a good dose of humor, in this exclusive interview.

The biotech's CEO told the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference that the company aims to have multiple oncology products on the market by 2029, but it plans to retain a large presence in vaccines as well.

Keytruda and Gardasil lead Merck’s growth story, although Lagevrio’s ongoing decline placed a drag on quarterly performance. Lung cancer is driving Keytruda’s momentum outside the US.

The maker of Cabometyx wants to expand its oncology pipeline via deal-making but is wary of the high attrition rate in cancer. Option deals with Cybrexa and Sairopa may avoid some of that risk.