Commercial Fallout From Merck's Failed Keytruda Gastric Cancer Trial May Be Limited

Merck's KEYNOTE-061 gastric cancer study is the latest example of a checkpoint inhibitor failing in Phase III after accelerated approval.

3d render illustration of human digestive system - front view

The failure of Merck & Co. Inc.'s Phase III KEYNOTE-061 study of Keytruda in second-line advanced gastric cancer may wind up having little commercial downside, as there will be no change in labeling.

The KEYNOTE-061 study tested Keytruda (pembrolizumab) as a monotherapy against paclitaxel chemotherapy in the treatment of 592 patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction

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