Locally Advanced Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma

The INTerpath-009 clinical trial demonstrates continued expansion of the INTerpath clinical program, as the third Phase 3 trial for the investigational individualized neoantigen therapy, V940 (mRNA-4157), focused on earlier stages of cancer RAHWAY, NJ & CAMBRIDGE, MA, USA I October 28, 2024 I Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Moderna, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA), today announced the initiation of INTerpath-009, a pivotal Phase 3 randomized clinical trial evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157), an investigational individualized neoantigen therapy (INT), in combination with KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, as adjuvant treatment for patients with resectable Stage II, IIIA or IIIB (N2) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who did not achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) after receiving neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Global recruitment in INTerpath-009 has begun, and the first patients have now started enrolling in Canada. “While the overall survival rates for patients with non-small cell lung cancer have significantly improved in recent years, lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer death worldwide,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are pleased to expand the INTerpath clinical trial program with Moderna, evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157), a promising new modality, in combination with KEYTRUDA to pursue meaningful advances for lung cancer and bring more options to patients with earlier stages of disease, where we potentially can have the most impact.” “We are excited to build on our ongoing collaboration with our colleagues at Merck by expanding our research efforts for patients with NSCLC,” said Kyle Holen, M.D., Moderna’s senior vice president and head of development, Therapeutics and Oncology. “We believe that our mRNA technology has the potential to improve the outcomes of those affected by lung cancer and together, INTerpath-002 and INTerpath-009 are designed to demonstrate this potential in early-stage lung cancer, with and without prior neoadjuvant therapy.” Ongoing clinical development programs Merck and Moderna have initiated Phase 3 randomized clinical trials evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as an adjuvant treatment in patients with resected high-risk (Stage IIB-IV) melanoma (INTerpath-001, NCT05933577 ) and non-small cell lung cancer (INTerpath-002, NCT06077760 ). In 2024, Merck and Moderna also initiated a two-part Phase 2/3 randomized clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in patients with resectable locally advanced Stage II-IV (M0) cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (INTerpath-007, NCT06295809 ), a Phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as adjuvant treatment in patients with intermediate-high-risk, high-risk, or M1 no evidence of disease renal cell carcinoma (INTerpath-004, NCT06307431 ), and a Phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluating mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with KEYTRUDA as adjuvant treatment in patients with high-risk muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma post-radical resection (INTerpath-005, NCT06305767 ). About mRNA-4157 (V940) mRNA-4157 (V940) is a novel investigational messenger RNA (mRNA)-based individualized neoantigen therapy (INT) consisting of a synthetic mRNA coding for up to 34 neoantigens that is designed and produced based on the unique mutational signature of the DNA sequence of the patient’s tumor. Upon administration into the body, the algorithmically derived and RNA-encoded neoantigen sequences are endogenously translated and undergo natural cellular antigen processing and presentation, a key step in adaptive immunity. Individualized neoantigen therapies are designed to train and activate an antitumor immune response by generating specific T-cell responses based on the unique mutational signature of a patient’s tumor. KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. As previously announced from the Phase 2b KEYNOTE-942/mRNA-4157-P201 trial evaluating patients with high-risk stage III/IV melanoma, combining mRNA-4157 (V940) with KEYTRUDA may provide a meaningful benefit over KEYTRUDA alone. Merck and Moderna continue to evaluate and expand the V940 INTerpath clinical development program for additional tumor types and treatment settings. About INTerpath-009 ( NCT06623422 ) INTerpath-009 is a global, randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial evaluating 680 patients with resected (R0 or R1) Stage II, IIIA, IIIB (N2) NSCLC who did not achieve a pCR after neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA plus platinum-based chemotherapy. Following surgical resection, participants 18 years and older will be randomized 1:1 to receive either V940 (mRNA-4157) (1 mg every three weeks for up to nine doses) and KEYTRUDA (400 mg every six weeks up to seven cycles) or placebo (1 mg every three weeks for up to nine doses) and KEYTRUDA (400 mg every six weeks up to seven cycles). The primary endpoint is disease-free survival (DFS), defined as the time from randomization to any recurrence (local, locoregional, regional, or distant), occurrence of new primary NSCLC, as assessed by the investigator, or death due to any cause, whichever occurs first. The secondary endpoints are overall survival (OS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), DFS2, lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS), safety, and quality of life. Key eligibility criteria for the trial include: patients who have histologically/cytologically confirmed diagnosis of Stage II, IIIA, or IIIB (N2) NSCLC (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] 8th Edition), have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, no pCR by local testing after neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus KEYTRUDA, completed surgery, with no disease by baseline imaging , and exclude epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation. For further information, please see the clinicaltrials.gov page for INTerpath-009. About lung cancer Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. In 2022 alone, there were approximately 2.4 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths from lung cancer globally. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. In 2024, the overall five-year survival rate for patients diagnosed with lung cancer is 25% in the United States. Improved survival rates are due, in part, to earlier detection and screening, reduction in smoking, advances in diagnostic and surgical procedures, as well as the introduction of new therapies. Early detection and screening remain an important unmet need, as 44% of lung cancer cases are not found until they are advanced. About KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD- L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells. Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient’s likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers. Selected KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is: KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. Melanoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy. Urothelial Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Gastric Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval of this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. KEYTRUDA, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Esophageal Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either: Cervical Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), is indicated for the treatment of patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer. KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Hepatocellular Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. Biliary Tract Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC). Merkel Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Renal Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. Endometrial Carcinoma KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Merck’s focus on cancer Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck, the potential to bring new hope to people with cancer drives our purpose and supporting accessibility to our cancer medicines is our commitment. As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the potential of immuno-oncology with one of the largest development programs in the industry across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising oncology candidates with the potential to improve the treatment of advanced cancers. For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials . About Merck’s research in lung cancer Merck is advancing research aimed at transforming the way lung cancer is treated, with a goal of improving outcomes for patients affected by this deadly disease. Through nearly 200 clinical trials evaluating more than 36,000 patients around the world, Merck is at the forefront of lung cancer research. In NSCLC, KEYTRUDA has six approved U.S. indications (see indications below) and is approved for advanced disease in more than 95 countries. Among Merck’s research efforts are trials focused on evaluating KEYTRUDA in earlier stages of lung cancer as well as identifying new combinations and coformulations with KEYTRUDA. About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . About Moderna Moderna is a leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine. Through the advancement of mRNA technology, Moderna is reimagining how medicines are made and transforming how we treat and prevent disease for everyone. By working at the intersection of science, technology and health for more than a decade, the company has developed medicines at unprecedented speed and efficiency, including one of the earliest and most effective COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna’s mRNA platform has enabled the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases and autoimmune diseases. With a unique culture and a global team driven by the Moderna values and mindsets to responsibly change the future of human health, Moderna strives to deliver the greatest possible impact to people through mRNA medicines. For more information about Moderna, please visit modernatx.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Moderna’s focus on cancer At Moderna, we are delivering on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients. We are relentlessly working to grow our cancer therapeutic modality by discovering mRNA medicines that harness the body’s immune system to identify and kill cancer cells in the same way the immune system identifies and targets infections. One example of a promising oncology candidate is the creation of individualized, mRNA-based cancer therapies. We also continue to strengthen our portfolio through strategic collaborations that increase our potential to improve treatment options for patients with cancer. SOURCE: Merck

KEYTRUDA plus chemotherapy is the first approval in the EU for an anti-PD-1 therapy combined with chemotherapy only for patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma regardless of mismatch repair status KEYTRUDA plus chemoradiotherapy is the first anti-PD-1-based regimen approved in the EU for patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA locally advanced cervical cancer RAHWAY, NJ, USA I October 24, 2024 I Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, today announced that the European Commission (EC) has approved two new indications for KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in gynecologic cancers. The first approval is for KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, for the first-line treatment of primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy. The second approval is for KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), for the treatment of FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) 2014 Stage III-IVA locally advanced cervical cancer in adults who have not received prior definitive therapy. With these decisions, KEYTRUDA is now approved for 30 indications in the EU, including five in gynecologic cancers – three in endometrial cancer and two in cervical cancer. “These KEYTRUDA-based regimens have the potential to change the treatment paradigm for people with endometrial and cervical cancer, two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in Europe,” said Dr. Gursel Aktan, vice president, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “These approvals underscore the continued expansion of the use of KEYTRUDA in diverse patient populations and treatment settings with utility of KEYTRUDA ranging from earlier lines of therapy to treating advanced disease.” The EC approvals are based on results from the Phase 3 NRG-GY018 trial, also known as KEYNOTE-868, and the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-A18 trial, also known as ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047, respectively, and follow positive recommendations from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use received in September 2024 . In NRG-GY018/KEYNOTE-868, KEYTRUDA in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to chemotherapy alone. In KEYNOTE-A18, KEYTRUDA in combination with concurrent CRT demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in overall survival (OS) and PFS compared to concurrent CRT alone for newly diagnosed patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA locally advanced cervical cancer. These approvals allow marketing of these KEYTRUDA regimens for these indications in all 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Northern Ireland. Timing for commercial availability of KEYTRUDA for these indications in individual EU countries will depend on multiple factors, including the completion of national reimbursement procedures. In June 2024 , KEYTRUDA in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, was approved in the U.S. for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma based on PFS results from the NRG-GY018 trial. The KEYTRUDA regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 70% (HR=0.30 [95% CI, 0.19-0.48]; p<0.0001) in patients whose cancer was mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) and by 40% (HR=0.60 [95% CI, 0.46-0.78]; p<0.0001) in patients whose cancer was mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) compared to placebo with carboplatin and paclitaxel followed by placebo alone. In January 2024 , KEYTRUDA in combination with CRT was approved in the U.S. for the treatment of patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer based on PFS results from the KEYNOTE-A18 trial. The KEYTRUDA regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 41% (HR=0.59 [95% CI, 0.43-0.82]) versus concurrent CRT alone for these patients. About NRG-GY018/KEYNOTE-868 NRG-GY018, also known as KEYNOTE-868, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03914612 ) evaluating KEYTRUDA in combination with standard of care chemotherapy (paclitaxel and carboplatin) versus placebo plus standard of care chemotherapy for the treatment of measurable stage III, IVA, IVB or recurrent endometrial cancer in pMMR and dMMR cohorts. The primary endpoint is PFS, and secondary endpoints include overall survival, objective response rate (ORR), duration of response and safety. The trial enrolled 810 patients who were randomized (1:1) to receive either: About KEYNOTE-A18 KEYNOTE-A18, also known as ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047, is a randomized, double-blind Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04221945 ) sponsored by Merck and conducted in collaboration with the European Network for Gynecological Oncology Trial (ENGOT) groups and the GOG Foundation, Inc. (GOG) investigating KEYTRUDA in combination with CRT (cisplatin and external beam radiotherapy [EBRT] followed by brachytherapy [BT]) compared to placebo plus concurrent CRT for the treatment of newly diagnosed high-risk (stage IB2-IIB with lymph node-positive disease, and stage III-IVA with and without lymph node-positive disease) locally advanced cervical cancer where patients are treated with definitive intent. The primary endpoints are PFS and OS, and secondary endpoints include complete response rate, ORR and safety. The trial enrolled 1,060 patients with cervical cancer who had not previously received any definitive surgery, radiation, or systemic therapy for cervical cancer. Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either: About endometrial carcinoma Endometrial carcinoma begins in the inner lining of the uterus, which is known as the endometrium, and is the most common type of cancer in the uterus. Globally, endometrial cancer is the sixth most common cancer in women and 15 th most common cancer overall. Worldwide, it is estimated there were approximately 420,368 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 97,723 patient deaths from the disease in 2022. In Europe, it is estimated there were approximately 124,874 patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 30,272 patient deaths from the disease in 2022. About cervical cancer Cervical cancer forms in the cells lining the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. All women are at risk for cervical cancer, and it is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 44. While screenings and prevention have resulted in declining cervical cancer rates, the disease continues to affect many people in the U.S. and around the world. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. Worldwide, it is estimated there were approximately 662,301 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer and 348,874 patient deaths from the disease in 2022. In Europe, it is estimated there were approximately 58,219 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed and 26,950 patient deaths from the disease in 2022. About Merck’s research in women’s cancers Merck is advancing research aimed at expanding treatment options for certain breast and gynecologic (ovarian, cervical and endometrial) cancers, with a goal of improving outcomes for more patients affected by these diseases. Breast cancer and gynecological cancers are the first and second most commonly occurring cancer types among women worldwide, respectively, and Merck aims to give patients facing these devastating diseases options. With more than 20 clinical trials in more than 18,000 patients around the world, Merck is driving innovative research to purposefully advance standards of care in women’s cancers. Merck’s research efforts include trials focused on evaluating its medicines in earlier stages, as well as identifying novel mechanisms and new combinations with these treatments. Merck is working to develop a portfolio and pipeline to address the impact of women’s cancers on patients, their families and communities globally. About KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) injection, 100 mg KEYTRUDA is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) therapy that works by increasing the ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor cells. KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD- L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both tumor cells and healthy cells. Merck has the industry’s largest immuno-oncology clinical research program. There are currently more than 1,600 trials studying KEYTRUDA across a wide variety of cancers and treatment settings. The KEYTRUDA clinical program seeks to understand the role of KEYTRUDA across cancers and the factors that may predict a patient’s likelihood of benefitting from treatment with KEYTRUDA, including exploring several different biomarkers. Selected KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S. Cervical Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT), is indicated for the treatment of patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer. KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, with or without bevacizumab, is indicated for the treatment of patients with persistent, recurrent, or metastatic cervical cancer whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer with disease progression on or after chemotherapy whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Endometrial Carcinoma KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by KEYTRUDA as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is MSI-H or dMMR, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiation. Melanoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with Stage IIB, IIC, or III melanoma following complete resection. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations. KEYTRUDA, in combination with carboplatin and either paclitaxel or paclitaxel protein-bound, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic squamous NSCLC. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with NSCLC expressing PD-L1 [Tumor Proportion Score (TPS) ≥1%] as determined by an FDA-approved test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, and is: KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic NSCLC whose tumors express PD-L1 (TPS ≥1%) as determined by an FDA-approved test, with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving KEYTRUDA. KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) NSCLC in combination with platinum-containing chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated as adjuvant treatment following resection and platinum-based chemotherapy for adult patients with Stage IB (T2a ≥4 cm), II, or IIIA NSCLC. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma KEYTRUDA, in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with unresectable advanced or metastatic malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with platinum and fluorouracil (FU), is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic or with unresectable, recurrent HNSCC whose tumors express PD-L1 [Combined Positive Score (CPS) ≥1] as determined by an FDA-approved test. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of pediatric patients with refractory cHL, or cHL that has relapsed after 2 or more lines of therapy. Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with refractory primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL), or who have relapsed after 2 or more prior lines of therapy. KEYTRUDA is not recommended for treatment of patients with PMBCL who require urgent cytoreductive therapy. Urothelial Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with enfortumab vedotin, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer. KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma: KEYTRUDA, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive, high-risk, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS) with or without papillary tumors who are ineligible for or have elected not to undergo cystectomy. Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. Microsatellite Instability-High or Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (CRC) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Gastric Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidine- and platinum containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥1) as determined by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval of this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. KEYTRUDA, in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adults with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma. Esophageal Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) (tumors with epicenter 1 to 5 centimeters above the GEJ) carcinoma that is not amenable to surgical resection or definitive chemoradiation either: Hepatocellular Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) secondary to hepatitis B who have received prior systemic therapy other than a PD-1/PD-L1-containing regimen. Biliary Tract Cancer KEYTRUDA, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC). Merkel Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with recurrent locally advanced or metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Renal Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA, in combination with axitinib, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). KEYTRUDA is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with RCC at intermediate-high or high risk of recurrence following nephrectomy, or following nephrectomy and resection of metastatic lesions. Tumor Mutational Burden-High Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with unresectable or metastatic tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) [≥10 mutations/megabase (mut/Mb)] solid tumors, as determined by an FDA-approved test, that have progressed following prior treatment and who have no satisfactory alternative treatment options. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials. The safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA in pediatric patients with TMB-H central nervous system cancers have not been established. Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) or locally advanced cSCC that is not curable by surgery or radiation. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, and then continued as a single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery. KEYTRUDA, in combination with chemotherapy, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally recurrent unresectable or metastatic TNBC whose tumors express PD-L1 (CPS ≥10) as determined by an FDA-approved test. Merck’s focus on cancer Every day, we follow the science as we work to discover innovations that can help patients, no matter what stage of cancer they have. As a leading oncology company, we are pursuing research where scientific opportunity and medical need converge, underpinned by our diverse pipeline of more than 25 novel mechanisms. With one of the largest clinical development programs across more than 30 tumor types, we strive to advance breakthrough science that will shape the future of oncology. By addressing barriers to clinical trial participation, screening and treatment, we work with urgency to reduce disparities and help ensure patients have access to high-quality cancer care. Our unwavering commitment is what will bring us closer to our goal of bringing life to more patients with cancer. For more information, visit http://www.merck.com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/research/oncology . About Merck At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . SOURCE: Merck

iStock, JHVEPhoto The regulator’s approval on Friday of Vyloy for gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer makes it the first and only claudin 18.2-targeted therapy approved in the U.S. for these indications, according to Astellas. The FDA on Friday signed off on Astellas Pharma ’s cytolytic antibody zolbetuximab-clzb, now to be marketed as Vyloy, for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Vyloy is the first and only claudin 18.2-targeted therapy approved in the U.S. for these indications, according to Astellas. Vyloy’s label covers its first-line use in claudin 18.2-positive patients with HER2-negative tumors, and in combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy. Samuel Klempner, medical oncologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said in a statement that Vyloy’s approval “brings forward a novel biomarker and new therapy for patients whose tumors are CLDN18.2 positive,” for whom “there is still a tremendous unmet need” despite substantial “advancements in the first-line treatment of locally advanced unresectable and metastatic gastric and GEJ (gastroesophageal junction) cancers.” Klempner has previously served as a consultant or advisor to Astellas. Friday’s approval is backed by data from the Phase III SPOTLIGHT and GLOW studies, which together demonstrate that Vyloy-based treatment regimens could significantly improve survival in patient. In both studies, Vyloy was well-tolerated with the most common toxicities including nausea, vomiting and weakened appetite. In SPOTLIGHT, Vyloy was combined with mFOLFOX6—a treatment regimen that includes oxaliplatin, leucovorin and fluorouracil—and tested against placebo plus mFOLFOX6. Astellas released data from the study in January 2023, touting a nearly 25% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death. Median progression-free survival at the time was 10.61 months in the Vyloy arm, compared to 8.67 months in the placebo group. Overall survival was also significantly longer in patients treated with the Vyloy combo. Astellas followed the SPOTLIGHT readout with a data drop from GLOW in March 2023, which combined Vyloy with the chemo combo of capecitabine and oxaliplatin, better known as CAPOX. Compared with placebo plus CAPOX, the Vyloy regimen lowered the risk of disease progression or death by more than 31% and the risk of death by nearly 23%. Vyloy’s approval on Friday comes after an initial rejection in January 2024 . At the time, the FDA noted unresolved deficiencies with a third-party manufacturing facility—though the regulator did not find problems with Astellas’ data or Vyloy’s safety. Astellas subsequently resubmitted its application, which the FDA accepted in May 2024 and gave a target action date of Nov. 9.