Keytruda/Chemo Combo Approval Means Merck Holds Crown, For Now

FDA's approval of Merck's Keytruda/chemo combo based on Phase II data secures the company's position in the prized first-line lung cancer indication, but Phase III readouts from other combination trials are right around the corner.

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FDA's accelerated approval of Merck & Co. Inc.'s Keytruda/chemotherapy combination for first-line non-small cell lung cancer gives the company yet another victory in the immuno-oncology space, though readouts for other combinations could alter the market dynamics dramatically within the next year.

The US FDA granted accelerated approval on May 10 for Merck's PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in combination with Eli Lilly & Co.'s Alimta (pemetrexed) and carboplatin in first-line, non-squamous,...

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