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As Merck Diversifies Beyond Keytruda, It Will Lean On Its Oncology Leadership Position

Cardiology, Infectious Diseases Also Remain Core Areas

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Merck Research Laboratories president Dean Li said there is no ideal product mix for the company, but noted cancer drugs will remain a priority given the groundwork Keytruda laid for Merck in oncology.

Merck Research Laboratories in South San Francisco
Keytruda lays firm ground underlying Merck's ongoing oncology R&D • Source: Shutterstock

Merck & Co., Inc. helped reshape the way that many cancer patients are treated by bringing forward an immunotherapy that improved survival and reduced cancer recurrence across multiple aggressive tumor types. Merck Research Laboratories president Dean Li told Scrip that the company will continue to build on the oncology leadership position that it has gained through the development of Keytruda (pembrolizumab) as it prepares for loss of exclusivity for the PD-1 inhibitor in 2028.

Keytruda is not just the top-selling therapy in the PD-1/L1 class, but Merck’s biggest product by a wide margin. Its...

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Cogent Peaks With Bezaclastinib SUMMIT Results

 
• By Alaric DeArment

The biotech announced positive topline results from the Phase II SUMMIT study in non-advanced systemic mastocytosis, with data for advanced SM and GIST expected later this year.

France’s AB Science Plots Pivotal Masitinib Trial In Prostate Cancer

 
• By Kevin Grogan

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In Brief: Concentra Snaps Up Struggling IGM Biosciences In Latest Biotech Deal

 
• By Sushmita Panda

Concentra Biosciences is acquiring struggling IGM Biosciences for $1.25 per share plus a contingent value right, with the deal expected to close in August 2025.

Quick Listen: Scrip’s Five Must-Know Things

 
• By Ian Haydock

In this week's episode: AbbVie’s big autoimmune CAR-T play; In Vivo CAR-T interest grows; China deal perspectives from BIO; global pharma interest in Korea undeterred; and a look at the biggest drug sales disappointments.

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Quick Listen: Scrip’s Five Must-Know Things

 
• By Ian Haydock

In this week's episode: AbbVie’s big autoimmune CAR-T play; In Vivo CAR-T interest grows; China deal perspectives from BIO; global pharma interest in Korea undeterred; and a look at the biggest drug sales disappointments.

Second Quarter M&A Activity Looks Like More Of The Same, Mostly

 
• By Joseph Haas

The biopharma sector booked nearly the same number of acquisitions in each of the past two quarters, according to Evaluate data, but there are some encouraging signs in Q2.

How Teva Is Expanding Innovation To Fuel ‘Pivot To Growth’

 
• By Jessica Merrill

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