A couple of new developments to report in relation to Merck, known as MSD outside the US and Canada: the first being the rejection by the US FDA of the company’s application to use its anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda, in certain breast cancer patients.
The newly separate business will include women’s health, legacy brands, and biosimilar units, as the main part of the business retains oncology, vaccines, hospital and animal health.
Merck announces that it has reallocated Gardasil from the US CDC stockpiles, as a surge in demand sees revenues from the vaccine rise 26% year-on-year.
Alkermes to work collaboratively with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center on the clinical development of a drug candidate as a combination treatment alongside Keytruda.
Merck enters a clinical collaboration agreement with Oncologie to evaluate the combination of investigational drug Bavituximab and Keytruda in cancer patients.
MSD announced that the EMA’s CHMP has adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of Keytruda as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of patients with melanoma.
Daiichi Sankyo announced it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Merck & Co. to evaluate an investigational lung cancer treatment.
