10 Best Pharma Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires

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

Number of Billionaire Holdings: 16 

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK), a global biopharmaceutical company founded in 1891 and headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, continues to strengthen its leadership in oncology and vaccines.

This month, the FDA approved Keytruda Qlex, a subcutaneous version of the drug that can be administered in just one to two minutes, compared to the 30-minute intravenous infusion. The injectable is expected to launch in the U.S. by late September 2025, improving convenience for patients and providers while reinforcing Keytruda’s competitive edge against future biosimilars, further solidifying Merck among the best pharmaceutical stocks.

In Europe, the EMA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued two positive opinions for Keytruda: one supporting approval of the subcutaneous injection for the EU market, and another recommending its use in earlier-stage locally advanced head and neck cancer. A final EU decision is expected later this year, potentially expanding Keytruda’s reach across cancer care.

Beyond oncology, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is advancing its vaccine portfolio. The CHMP recently issued a positive opinion for ENFLONSIA (clesrovimab), designed to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants. If approved, it would become the first uniform-dose preventive option for RSV in Europe. MRK is also progressing with new pneumococcal vaccines, showing promising trial results.