Merck announced on November 19, 2024, that a study showed its injectable version of the cancer drug Keytruda was not inferior to the currently approved intravenous (IV) formulation. This finding is based on topline results from the pivotal Phase 3 MK-3475A-D77 trial.
The subcutaneous administration of pembrolizumab, combined with berahyaluronidase alfa and chemotherapy, was evaluated against IV Keytruda with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This new formulation aims to make the treatment more accessible and easier to administer for patients.
This development is crucial for Merck as it prepares for the eventual loss of exclusivity for IV Keytruda. A successful subcutaneous version could help maintain market share and extend the product's lifecycle, providing a more convenient option for patients and healthcare providers.
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