Merck's Keytruda: A Remarkable Science-To-Success Story

With the probability of a drug making it from discovery to FDA approval extremely low – with some estimates putting the success rate at only one in every 5,000 – the story of how Merck's checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab) came to the marketplace is nothing short of remarkable.

With the probability of a drug making it from discovery to FDA approval extremely low – with some estimates putting the success rate at only one in every 5,000 – the story of how Merck's checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab) came to the marketplace is nothing short of remarkable.

Indeed, said Eric Rubin, vice president of early oncology clinical research at Merck, Keytruda went from its first in-human study to being approved by the FDA in less than four...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Anticancer

Bayer Has BI In Its Sights With Priority Review For HER2 Lung Cancer Drug

 
• By 

Sevabertinib gets onto the FDA's approval fast track three months after zongertinib.

Ascentage Broadens Horizons As Pipeline Shows Renewed Promise

 
• By 

Ascentage will share at ASCO new clinical data on its Bcl-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax, part of the Chinese firm's novel pipeline, on which its CEO shared with Scrip plans and strategy, along with some views on the use of RWD in China.

ASCO Preview: Major Solid Tumor Readouts Include AstraZeneca/Daiichi, Gilead ADCs

 

Data from several closely watched solid tumor drug trials – some considered practice-changing – are scheduled for presentation at the meeting, including for AstraZeneca and Daiichi’s Enhertu.

Progress In The Effort To Improve Outcomes In SCLC

 

Several drug makers are working to bring new advances to small-cell lung cancer, a fast-growing cancer with limited treatment options.

More from Therapy Areas

Lilly To Diversify Pain Pipeline With SiteOne Acquisition

 
• By 

Deal snapshot: With several internal non-opioid pain candidates in Phase II or earlier, Lilly looks to add R&D potential in pain with $1bn buyout of SiteOne.

Angelini Advances Brain Health Ambitions With GRIN Pact

 
• By 

The Italian drugmaker gets rights to Phase III-ready asset radiprodil.

GlycoEra’s Series B Cash Will Fund Efforts To Take On FcRn Inhibitor Class

 
• By 

GlycoEra unveiled a $130m series B financing, saying the proceeds would enable it to take its first clinical candidate through proof-of-concept in autoimmune diseases.