1. Scrip
  2. >>Therapy Areas
  3. >>Anticancer
  4. >>Immuno-oncology

Merck Gets Closer To Extending Keytruda Franchise With Subcutaneous Version

 
• By Alaric DeArment

Merck expects Keytruda to come under Medicare price controls in 2028, but an analyst said the subcutaneous version could shield revenues for the franchise.

(Shutterstock)

Merck & Co. is awaiting regulatory approvals for its subcutaneous version of PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab, and its successful head-to-head trial against the original intravenous Keytruda (pembrolizumab) quantifies the convenience advantages. But while that may help to mitigate anticipated price controls under the Inflation Reduction Act, biosimilars of Keytruda will likely still present strong competition.

Key Takeaways
  • Merck presented positive noninferiority data for its subcutaneous version of pembrolizumab versus intravenous Keytruda at the European Lung Cancer Conference, with the FDA expected to...

The drug maker presented data on 27 March at the European Lung Cancer Conference in Paris from the pivotal Phase III 3475A-D77 trial of subcutaneous pembrolizumab (MK-3475A), which combines 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 Immuno-oncology

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.

Merus Bispecific Impresses In Head And Neck Cancer

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

Updated Phase II results from petosemtamab have impressed ahead of ASCO, outshining Keytruda monotherapy and its bispecific rival from Bicara.

Pfizer Scoops 3SBio’s PD-1/VEGF Bispecific In ADC Combo Push

 
• By Dexter Jie Yan

Pfizer is doubling down on partnerships for combination therapies involving its antibody-drug conjugates through a new alliance with China's 3SBio’s for a bispecific antibody, potentially worth up to $6bn.

More from Scrip

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

Executives On The Move: Innate Pharma And Alloy Therapeutics Get New CEOs

Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca, joins Agilent Technologies' board, plus Zealand Pharma acquires chief development officer from UCB Biopharma.

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.