Merck Suggests More IO/ADC Combos To Come Under Oncology Strategy

The company laid out a three-pronged strategy focused on immuno-oncology, antibody-drug conjugates as well as small molecules, with four programs set to enter pivotal trials this year.

L-R: Chirfi Guindo, chief marketing officer, human health; Marjorie Green, head of late-stage oncology development; Gregory Lubiniecki, VP late oncology development; Eliav Barr, chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories; Dean Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories • Source: Alaric DeArment

Fresh off a raft of data presentations at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s 2023 meeting, Merck & Co., Inc. laid out an oncology product development strategy in which immuno-oncology and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) will play a leading role, along with small-molecule drugs.

Executives from the company assembled for a 5 June investor event in Chicago to lay out how the company plans...

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 ASCO

In Brief: Sanofi Cements Support For Adagene

 
• By 

Deal Snapshot: The French drugmaker has been shifting its investments away from cancer to focus on immunology and inflammation but it continues to seek out interesting early-stage oncology assets.

J&J’s Trispecific Antibody For Myeloma Offers Improved Safety, Potency Over Bispecifics

 

The drugmaker presented data from its Phase I study of JNJ-79635322 at ASCO and EHA showing a 100% response rate in BCMA- and GPRC5D-naïve patients.

ASCO: Pushing The Frontiers Of ADCs

 

Antibody-drug conjugates are a major part of the oncology pipeline, and data presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting highlight the emergence of new technologies.

Innovent Builds Metabolic Pipeline While Retaining Oncology Backbone

 
• By 

Innovent presented data on multiple pipeline assets at ASCO, including promising OS results for its first-in-class anti-PD-1/IL-2α-bias bispecific. The Chinese firm is also continuing to build out its metabolic disease portfolio and consider its partnering strategies, its CEO tells Scrip.

More from Conferences

BIO Deal Trends: Financial Market Stress Creates Transactional Opportunities

 
• By 

M&A may not be booming in 2025, but BIO convention attendees reported no shortage of potential deals, especially as cash-strapped drug developers seek funding alternatives.

Chinese Developers Showcase Potentially Differentiated Weight Loss Assets At ADA

 
• By 

Multiple Chinese firms presented at this year’s ADA meeting, with a focus on weight reduction efficacy for mostly early clinical stage assets. While limited information was given on lean mass preservation, several companies are progressing drugs and combos to address this need.

Vertex Heralds ‘Unprecedented’ Zimislecel Type 1 Diabetes Data

 
• By 

The off-the-shelf stem cell therapy shows sustained glycemic control and a high rate of insulin independence.