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Merck's Keytruda Lead Widens Over Competing Checkpoint Inhibitors

 
• By Emily Hayes

CEO Ken Frazier had to argue the case that Merck has a diversified portfolio in yet another strong quarter for the PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda.

Businessman Success. A businessman launching upwards, paperwork flying everywhere!

The sales lead for Merck & Co. Inc.'s PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda over Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s closely competing Opdivo and other checkpoint inhibitors widened in the fourth quarter, as the drug brought in almost $2.2bn, and the lead is expected to grow throughout the year.

As usual, the company was pressed by analysts during its earnings call on Feb. 1 about its reliance on Keytruda,...

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