Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD; NYSE: MRK), the producer of the leading checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab), has entered into a collaborative agreement with Dragonfly Therapeutics for the combination therapy of Keytruda and Dragonfly’s tri-specific natural killer (NK) cell engager, DF9001. The partnership aims to explore treatment options for advanced solid tumors that express EGFR, a common factor in many cancer types. The financial specifics of the deal were not disclosed.
According to the agreement, Dragonfly will integrate the combined use of pembrolizumab and DF9001 into the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cohorts of an ongoing Phase I trial for DF9001 later this year.
DF9001 is a novel biologic that targets EGFR on cancer cells and simultaneously engages NKG2D and CD16 receptors on NK cells, gamma-delta T-cells, and CD8 T-cells, activating them to target cancer. The therapy’s mechanism induces PD-L1 expression in cancer cells, creating a potential synergistic effect when combined with the anti-PD-1 drug Keytruda.- Flcube.com
