Cancer drug KEYTRUDA powers Merck's sales

Merck quarterly profit beat analysts' estimates as demand surged for its oncology drug, Keytruda. Sales of Keytruda nearly tripled to $881 million in the second quarter, beating consensus estimates of $777 million, according to Barclays. First approved in 2014 to treat melanoma, Keytruda has since won approvals to treat lung as well as head and neck cancer and is being tested against other cancers. Check out the earnings snapshot: http://alphastreet.com/b818107c