Merck Cuts 150 Jobs at HPV Vaccine Plant as Global Gardasil Sales Fall 39%

Shares of Merck were up 3% in afternoon trading.

Gardasil ‌has ⁠been one ⁠of Merck's top growth drivers after blockbuster cancer immunotherapy Keytruda, ​and much of its international growth has come from China. But ​the company halted shipments of the vaccine to China last year due to weak demand, driving a 39% ​slump in the shot's global sales ⁠in 2025.

The ‌vaccine protects against HPV infections ​that can ​lead to cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal ⁠cancers. The U.S. also overhauled its long-standing childhood immunization ​schedule last month to recommend a single ​HPV vaccine dose instead of the approved two- or three-shot regimen. Gardasil is the only HPV vaccine licensed in the country.

Merck's management last month said Gardasil was no longer a key growth driver ‌for the company.

"We continuously assess our operations and evolving business needs and adjust as needed ​to ensure ​the effectiveness ⁠of our manufacturing network in delivering reliable, compliant supply of our medicines and vaccines," a company spokesperson told Reuters on Friday.

The ​layoffs will be effective in May, according to the notice.

As of December 31, 2025, the company had about 30,000 employees in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, according to a regulatory filing.