Merck & Co. stock: ENHANCE-3 targets 2,136 COPD patients

Published on 11/05/2026 at 16:43 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Merck & Co. stock gains as OHTUVAYRE enters a global Phase 3 COPD study. Recruitment has begun in the United States, adding a new clinical catalyst.

Merck expands OHTUVAYRE catalyst

Merck has started a global Phase 3 study testing OHTUVAYRE alongside standard care to prevent COPD exacerbations.
The trial will measure exacerbation frequency, lung function, quality of life and safety.
Results from the study could broaden the commercial opportunity for OHTUVAYRE, but regulatory and execution risks remain.

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

On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Merck said it had initiated ENHANCE-3, a Phase 3 study evaluating OHTUVAYRE, or ensifentrine, for the prevention of COPD exacerbations. The company said the trial plans to enroll approximately 2,136 patients across 28 countries, adding detail to the latest company coverage. Merck's release is available from Merck.

What changes for OHTUVAYRE

ENHANCE-3 is randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled. Participants will receive OHTUVAYRE twice daily plus standard care, or placebo plus standard care. Recruitment has begun, with the first patients enrolling in the United States.

The primary endpoint is the annualized rate of adjudicated moderate or severe COPD exacerbations over 52 weeks. Secondary measures include lung function, health-related quality of life, severe exacerbations and safety.

Why investors are watching

OHTUVAYRE is already approved in the United States for the maintenance treatment of COPD in adults. The new study tests a broader prevention use in patients with a history of moderate or severe exacerbations, potentially expanding the product's clinical and commercial opportunity if the trial succeeds and regulators agree.

Merck & Co. stock traded at 135.48 euros on Lang & Schwarz at 16:34 CET on Thursday, November 5, 2026, 2.75 percent above the Xetra close of Wednesday, November 4.