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By Deena Beasley

April 30 (Reuters) - Merck & Co on Thursday reported a loss for the first quarter as an acquisition-related charge offset ‌a 5% increase in product sales driven by cancer and respiratory ‌drugs.

The U.S. drugmaker's first-quarter revenue rose to $16.3 billion from $15.5 billion a year earlier and was ​ahead of the average Wall Street estimate of $15.8 billion, as compiled by LSEG.

Merck's adjusted loss for the quarter, including a $3.62 per share charge for the acquisition of antiviral drug maker Cidara Therapeutics, was $1.28 a share, while analysts ‌expected a loss of $1.51 a ⁠share.

For the full year, Merck narrowed its previous forecast range, pushing up the midpoint. The company said it now ⁠expects a 2026 profit of $5.04 to $5.16 per share on sales of $65.8 billion to $67 billion, compared with a previous estimate of $5.00 to $5.15 per share on sales of $65.5 ​billion ​to $67 billion.

Merck said the outlook does not ​reflect any impact from its ‌planned acquisition of biotech Terns Pharmaceuticals, which will result in a one-time charge of $2.35 per share.

Analysts have forecast Merck's 2026 profit at $5.12 per share on revenue of $66.6 billion.

Sales of blockbuster cancer immunotherapy Keytruda, the world's biggest-selling prescription medicine, rose 12% to $8 billion, beating analyst estimates of $7.6 billion. The total includes $128 ‌million for a newer injected version of ​the drug, which had been available only ​as an infusion.

Sales of lung ​disease drug Winrevair rose 88% to $525 million, exceeding the $479 ‌million expected by analysts.

Merck said sales ​of diabetes drug Januvia ​fell 28% to $574 million due to lower U.S. demand and pricing as well as generic competition in some international markets. Sales of ​human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil ‌fell 19% to $1.07 billion.

Animal health provided another bright spot for ​the company with sales in the quarter jumping 13% to $1.8 billion.

(Reporting ​By Deena BeasleyEditing by Bill Berkrot)