RAHWAY, N.J. - Merck & Co., Inc., a global healthcare leader, has launched a Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of its investigational drug MK-1084, a KRAS G12C inhibitor, in combination with the company's established cancer immunotherapy, KEYTRUDA. The study targets a subset of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have specific genetic mutations and express a certain protein.
The trial, which began enrollment on Monday, will assess the combination therapy's impact on progression-free survival and overall survival in approximately 600 patients worldwide. These patients have not received prior treatment and have tumors harboring KRAS G12C mutations with PD-L1 expression levels of 50% or higher.
Merck's decision to proceed with a larger Phase 3 trial follows promising early results from a Phase 1 study, indicating that the MK-1084 and KEYTRUDA combination had a manageable safety profile and showed potential in tumor reduction. Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology global clinical development at Merck Research Laboratories, emphasized the significance of targeting KRAS G12C mutations, which are prevalent in NSCLC cases.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in early detection, screening, and new therapies, the five-year survival rate in the United States is only 25%. Merck's latest trial is part of its ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for lung cancer patients through extensive research and clinical trials.
MK-1084 is being developed in collaboration with Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd and Astex Pharmaceuticals (UK), a subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This partnership was first announced in January 2020.
KEYTRUDA, Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, has been a cornerstone in the treatment of various cancers and is currently under investigation in over 1,600 trials across multiple cancer types. The drug functions by enhancing the body's immune system to detect and combat tumor cells.
This news article is based on a press release statement from Merck & Co., Inc.
InvestingPro Insights
As Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) advances its clinical trials with the promising MK-1084 and KEYTRUDA combination therapy, the company's financial health and market performance remain a key interest for investors. According to the latest data from InvestingPro, Merck boasts a robust market capitalization of $328.99 billion, underscoring its significant presence in the pharmaceutical industry. The company's commitment to innovation and development is also reflected in its revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q4 2023, with a reported increase of 1.4%, signaling a steady financial trajectory amidst its research endeavors.
Investors keeping a keen eye on Merck's valuation will note the company's high Price / Book ratio of 8.75 as of Q4 2023, which may suggest a premium market valuation compared to its book value. This could be indicative of the market's confidence in Merck's future growth prospects and its established position as a prominent player in the pharmaceuticals industry, a sentiment echoed by one of the InvestingPro Tips that highlights Merck's role in the sector.
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