1. Scrip
  2. >>R&D
  3. >>Clinical Trials

Merck & Co. Calls Time On Flop TIGIT And LAG-3 Programs

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

After investing heavily in both mechanisms for IO-IO combinations, Merck is cutting its losses with vibostolimab and favezelimab, and switching its anticancer bets to other modalities.

(Shutterstock)

Once a key part of its next-generation plans in cancer, Merck & Co. has called a halt to the last remaining Phase III studies of its TIGIT- and LAG-3 targeting immunotherapy assets.

The two immunotherapy mechanisms had been seen as strong contenders for use in combination with anti-PD-1/L-1 checkpoint inhibitors, most notably Merck’s own market leader Keytruda (pembrolizumab). However, Merck has seen...

Key Takeaways
  • Merck is halting all of its remaining Phase III and Phase II studies with its TIGIT asset, vibostolimab, and LAG-3, favezelimab.
  • The...

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
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Clinical Trials

Summit’s Ivonescimab Shows Significance On PFS, But Not Overall Survival

 
• By Joseph Haas

In a study intended to show similar benefit in western patients, PD-1/VEGF-targeting ivonescimab met a progression-free survival endpoint, but missed on OS.

Sanofi Bid For Second COPD Approval Hurt By Mixed Itepekimab Data

 
• By Kevin Grogan

One Phase III trial hits but a second study misses by a mile.

In Brief: Neurocrine Details New Data For Schizophrenia Drug Moving To Phase III

 
• By Sushmita Panda

Neurocrine reports new details of positive Phase II results in schizophrenia and a favorable safety and cardiovascular profile for its first-in-class oral M4 agonist, now moving to Phase III trials.

Merck & Co./Daiichi Pull Patritumab Deruxtecan BLA On Disappointing OS

 
• By Jessica Merrill

Patritumab deruxtecan is the lead antibody drug conjugate in a $22bn deal signed between the two partners, with the decision marking a disappointing setback

More from Anticancer

Senti’s Computer-Logic Inspired Cell Therapy Shows Early Promise

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

The biotech believes its logic-gated cell therapies can get round the need for ‘clean targets’ which limit CAR-Ts and ADCs.

All Over For iTeos But Applause For Plan To Return Cash Fast

 
• By Kevin Grogan

The company has moved quickly to wind down operations after its anti-TIGIT pact with GSK collapsed.

Bayer Has BI In Its Sights With Priority Review For HER2 Lung Cancer Drug

 
• By Kevin Grogan

Sevabertinib gets onto the FDA's approval fast track three months after zongertinib.