Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK), a leading global pharmaceutical company, last week released clinical data from separate late-stage studies for its anti-PD-1 biologic, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in combination with other oncology therapies from different partners. The results presented a mixed picture of success and challenges in the field of immuno-oncology.
Positive Results in Urothelial Carcinoma
A confirmatory trial combining MSD’s Keytruda with Seagen (NASDAQ: SGEN) and Astellas’s (OTCMKTS: ALPMY) antibody drug conjugate (ADC) Padcev (enfortumab vedotin) achieved its primary endpoints in first-line locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (la/mUC). The study demonstrated a meaningful improvement in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), marking a significant milestone for patients with this aggressive form of cancer.
Challenges in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Contrastingly, a Phase III program evaluating Keytruda plus Eisai’s (TYO: 4523) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Lenvima (lenvatinib) failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not indicated for EGFR-, ALK-, or ROS1-directed therapies. The combination, along with Eli Lilly’s (NYSE: LLY) chemotherapy Alimta (pemetrexed), showed no OS or PFS improvement compared to a control lacking Lenvima. Furthermore, Keytruda combined with Lenvima also failed to meet the mark in OS and PFS when compared to standard-of-care treatment docetaxel.-Fineline Info & Tech
