This Late-to-the-Party Coronavirus Vaccine Maker Could Be the Biggest Winner Over the Long Run

Ten coronavirus vaccine candidates are currently in late-stage testing, according to the World Health Organization. Four of them are being evaluated in U.S. phase 3 clinical trials, with a fifth set to join the group soon.

Merck (NYSE:MRK) isn't among the leaders right now. In fact, the big drugmaker's CEO Ken Frazier has publicly expressed doubts about the possibility that the rush to develop COVID-19 vaccines too quickly could backfire.

However, Merck began an early-stage clinical study evaluating an experimental coronavirus vaccine in late August. The company picked up this vaccine with its June acquisition of privately held drugmaker Themis. It's also collaborating with non-profit research organization IAVI on another investigational COVID-19 vaccine that should begin an early-stage clinical study later this month.