Merck Oncology Strategy: With First-Line Lung Data, A New Day Dawns For Keytruda

Merck claims to have the broadest clinical development program for an anti-PD-1/L1 drug, with more than 270 trials under way testing Keytruda in 30 tumor types and 100 combinations.

For Merck & Co. Inc., succeeding in immuno-oncology centers on the PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab). The company is moving aggressively to expand Keytruda into as many indications as possible, and during a briefing at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in June, management claimed the drug is being tested in the broadest clinical development program for an anti-PD-1/L1 in the industry.

Keytruda is being tested in more than 270 trials in 30 types of tumors, including in100 combination studies, the company...