Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK) has announced the discontinuation of a Phase III trial for its anti-PD-1 therapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in combination with AstraZeneca’s (AZ; NASDAQ: AZN) co-developed PARP inhibitor Lynparza (olaparib) for metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The decision follows the trial’s failure to meet both primary endpoints during the interim analysis 3. An independent review committee determined that the addition of Lynparza to the Keytruda regimen did not yield a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) compared to Keytruda plus placebo.
MSD highlighted that the safety profile of the combination treatment was in line with the individual therapies and confirmed that it will persist with its lung cancer development program for Keytruda, exploring combinations with drugs such as Lynparza and the anti-TIGIT biologic vibostolimab.- Flcube.com
