Tag

Keytruda

All articles tagged with #keytruda

Regeneron’s fianlimab setback puts melanoma program at a crossroads
business8 days ago

Regeneron’s fianlimab setback puts melanoma program at a crossroads

Regeneron’s phase 3 trial of fianlimab with Libtayo failed to beat Merck’s Keytruda as first-line therapy for unresectable melanoma, missing the primary endpoint of progression-free survival despite a numerical edge at the high dose; analysts say late separation of survival curves drove the non-significant result, signaling renewed pipeline pressure even as Regeneron pursues potential salvage paths (head-to-head vs Opdualag) and continues other programs (Factor XI, cemdisiran-pozelimab) as future catalysts.

OX40-boosted Keytruda shows stronger responses in Inhibrx phase 2 HNSCC trial
healthcare14 days ago

OX40-boosted Keytruda shows stronger responses in Inhibrx phase 2 HNSCC trial

Inhibrx reports phase 2 HexAgon results showing INBRX-106, a hexavalent OX40 agonist, added to Merck’s Keytruda, doubling the objective response rate to 44% vs 21.4% for Keytruda alone in treatment‑naïve, high PD-L1 HNSCC (CPS ≥20), with three complete responses in the combo arm. Progression-free survival data will be shared in Q4, and a phase 3 study is planned for Q3, with expansion into NSCLC and other combinations on the roadmap. Reuters‑reported interest from Merck and others could fuel takeover talks if data remain favorable.

LITESPARK-012 RCC Trial: Triplet Regimens Fail to Beat Standard Front-Line Therapy
healthcare1 month ago

LITESPARK-012 RCC Trial: Triplet Regimens Fail to Beat Standard Front-Line Therapy

Merck and Eisai reported interim results from Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 in first-line advanced clear cell RCC, showing that the triplet regimens (KEYTRUDA+LENVIMA+WELIREG and MK-1308A+LENVIMA) did not meet the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival and overall survival versus KEYTRUDA+LENVIMA. Safety aligned with prior data, and full data analysis is ongoing with plans to share results with investigators and the scientific community. The findings do not affect other LITESPARK trials, and KEYTRUDA+LENVIMA remains an approved first-line RCC option; FDA has also accepted sNDA for LITESPARK-011 with a target action date of Oct 4, 2026.

Keytruda's fortress: Merck's patent-and-pricing empire under global scrutiny
business1 month ago

Keytruda's fortress: Merck's patent-and-pricing empire under global scrutiny

An ICIJ investigation shows Merck’s Keytruda has become one of the world’s best-selling drugs not just because of therapeutic value but due to an expansive patent portfolio (more than 1,200 filings in 53 countries), lobbying, and pricing tactics that raise costs for patients worldwide while governments and insurers struggle to fund access; the report details price disparities, secrecy, accelerated approvals, and strategic moves like drug-dosing and product hopping that help Merck extend monopoly into the 2030s, with patients in India, Guatemala, the U.S. and elsewhere paying vast out-of-pocket or facing restricted access.

Merck Restructures to Stand Up a Dedicated Oncology Unit Ahead of Keytruda's Patent Cliff
business3 months ago

Merck Restructures to Stand Up a Dedicated Oncology Unit Ahead of Keytruda's Patent Cliff

Merck is splitting its human health business into two divisions—a dedicated oncology unit to oversee cancer therapies (including Keytruda) and a separate specialty pharma and infectious diseases unit for non-cancer products and vaccines—part of a strategy to sharpen growth after Keytruda's looming patent cliff. The company cites expectations of continued leadership in oncology and potential multi-brand growth, highlighting leadership changes: Jannie Oosthuizen will run the oncology and international unit, while Brian Foard heads the new specialty/pharma/infectious diseases unit, with Chirfi Guindo in a policy/communications role. Merck aims to sustain long-term oncology leadership and push growth through its pipeline, with executives signaling potential of more than $70B in annual revenue mid-decade.

Merck reshapes structure to create dedicated cancer unit led by Keytruda
business3 months ago

Merck reshapes structure to create dedicated cancer unit led by Keytruda

Merck will split its human-health business into two units: a cancer-focused division led by Keytruda and a separate non-oncology medicines arm, as the company diversifies ahead of Keytruda’s looming loss of exclusivity. Keytruda remains the world’s top-selling drug, with more than $30 billion in revenue in 2025, accounting for about half of Merck’s total revenue. Shares rose about 1.4% in premarket trading. Merck has expanded its pipeline and made major acquisitions to bolster growth, and appointed Jannie Oosthuizen to lead the new cancer unit.

Moderna Surges 10% on Positive Melanoma Trial Results for Cancer Vaccine
markets4 months ago

Moderna Surges 10% on Positive Melanoma Trial Results for Cancer Vaccine

Moderna shares rose about 10% after Phase 2 data showed its cancer vaccine, when combined with Keytruda, reduced relapse or death risk in melanoma, signaling potential for its oncology pipeline as Covid-era vaccine sales fade and cash stockpiles dwindle. Evercore ISI called the asset a key value driver, while the stock remains rated a Hold by analysts with notable downside risk baked into targets.

KEYTRUDA and Padcev Boost Survival and Response in Cisplatin-Eligible MIBC Patients
healthcare5 months ago

KEYTRUDA and Padcev Boost Survival and Response in Cisplatin-Eligible MIBC Patients

Merck announced positive results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 trial showing that combining KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) before and after surgery significantly improves survival and response rates in cisplatin-eligible muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients, with a safety profile consistent with known effects.

Merck's Q3 2025 Profit Rises Amid Keytruda Strength and Sales Fluctuations
business6 months ago

Merck's Q3 2025 Profit Rises Amid Keytruda Strength and Sales Fluctuations

Merck's stock declined after its key products, Keytruda and Winrevair, fell short of sales estimates, despite overall revenue beating expectations. The company is preparing for biosimilar competition for Keytruda starting in 2028 and has made significant acquisitions to offset potential revenue declines. Merck has also updated its full-year outlook, expecting slight increases in sales and earnings for 2025.

Merck's FDA-Approved Subcutaneous Keytruda Secures Patent Protection
business8 months ago

Merck's FDA-Approved Subcutaneous Keytruda Secures Patent Protection

The FDA approved an injectable form of Merck's key cancer drug Keytruda, offering a quicker, less invasive alternative to infusions, though Merck's stock declined despite the news. The new formulation aims to maintain sales as biosimilars enter the market and is expected to be adopted by 30-40% of patients within 18-24 months, especially in early-stage cancers.