Cetuximab

Manageable safety profile and encouraging antitumor activity observed for MK-1084 in KANDLELIT-001, both as a monotherapy and in studied combinations RAHWAY, NJ, USA I May 30, 2025 I Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced today safety and efficacy results from the open-label Phase 1 KANDLELIT-001 study, a clinical trial evaluating MK-1084, an investigational next-generation KRAS G12C inhibitor, alone and in combination with other therapies in certain patients with KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors, including advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In patients with advanced KRAS G12C-mutated CRC and NSCLC, a manageable safety profile and antitumor activity were observed with MK-1084 either as a monotherapy or in the combinations. “We are encouraged by the promising early data from the KANDLELIT-001 study and look forward to further researching the potential for MK-1084, as monotherapy or in combinations, including with KEYTRUDA in certain settings in patients with KRAS mutations, which are among the most prevalent mutations in cancer,” said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. “We are committed to evaluating the potential for innovative approaches to help even more patients with cancer and these results further demonstrate the potential of our robust and differentiated pipeline.” In CRC, the study assessed MK-1084 as monotherapy, as well as in combination with cetuximab with or without chemotherapy (oxaliplatin and leucovorin plus 5-fluorouracil [mFOLFOX6]). For efficacy, the study evaluated overall response rate (ORR), with the following results for efficacy evaluable patients: In NSCLC, MK-1084 was evaluated as monotherapy, as well as in combination with KEYTRUDA with or without chemotherapy (carboplatin and pemetrexed), with the following ORR results for efficacy evaluable patients: Across all arms of the KANDLELIT-001 study, MK-1084 had a manageable safety profile. Treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 58% (n=71) of patients in the MK-1084 monotherapy arm, 94% (n=68) of patients in the MK-1084 and KEYTRUDA arm, 93% (n=39) of patients in the MK-1084 in combination with KEYTRUDA and chemotherapy arm, 95% (n=39) of patients in the MK-1084 and cetuximab arm and 97% (n=32) of patients in the MK-1084 with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 arm. These KANDLELIT-001 CRC and NSCLC data are being presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Abstract #3508 and #8605, respectively). In addition to KANDLELIT-001, MK-1084 will be investigated in the Phase 3 KANDLELIT-012 study, which is investigating MK-1084 in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 for the first-line treatment of certain patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic CRC who have KRAS G12C-mutated tumors and the Phase 3 KANDLELIT-004 study, which is investigating MK-1084 in combination with KEYTRUDA for the first-line treatment of certain patients with metastatic NSCLC who have KRAS G12C-mutated tumors and express PD-L1 (TPS ≥50%). MK-1084 is being developed under a collaboration and license agreement with Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd and Astex Pharmaceuticals (UK), a wholly owned subsidiary of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. About KANDLELIT-001 KANDLELIT-001 is a Phase 1, open-label multicenter clinical trial (Clinical Trials.gov, NCT05067283 ) designed to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of MK-1084 as monotherapy and in combination with other therapies in patients with KRAS G12C mutated advanced solid tumors. The primary endpoints of the trial were safety and tolerability, as assessed by number of patients who experienced a dose-limiting toxicity, adverse events and treatment discontinuations. Secondary endpoints include objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response. Selected KEYTRUDA ® (pembrolizumab) Indications in the U.S. 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. 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). 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. 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 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 https://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 on X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and LinkedIn . SOURCE: Merck

NEW YORK, NY, USA I May 30, 2025 I Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) today announced statistically significant and clinically meaningful survival results from the Phase 3 BREAKWATER trial evaluating BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib) in combination with cetuximab (marketed as ERBITUX ® ) and mFOLFOX6 (fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation. These data will be presented today in an oral presentation (Abstract LBA3500) at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO ® ) Annual Meeting and have been simultaneously published in the New England Journal of Medicine . In a second interim analysis of overall survival (OS), a key secondary endpoint, the BRAFTOVI combination regimen reduced the risk of death by 51% compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (Hazard Ratio [HR] 0.49; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.38, 0.63, p<0.0001). Median OS was 30.3 months (95% CI, 21.7, Not Estimated) with BRAFTOVIin combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 compared to 15.1 months with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (95% CI, 13.7, 17.7). In the primary analysis of progression-free survival (PFS), the BRAFTOVI combination regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 47% compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (HR 0.53; 95% CI, 0.41, 0.68, p<0.0001) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). Median PFS was 12.8 months (95% CI, 11.2, 15.9) with the BRAFTOVI combination regimen compared to 7.1 months (95% CI, 6.8, 8.5). “Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer whose tumors harbor a BRAF V600E mutation generally face a daunting prognosis, as this aggressive tumor often does not respond well to standard-of-care chemotherapy,” said Elena Élez, M.D., Ph.D., senior investigator at Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain, and co-principal investigator of the BREAKWATER trial. “The BREAKWATER results are the first promising survival outcomes ever reported for BRAF -mutant metastatic colorectal cancer in the first-line setting, representing a practice-changing breakthrough for patients.” CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world 1 BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 8-12% of people with mCRC and represent a poor prognosis. 2 The BRAF V600E mutation is the most common BRAF mutation and the risk of mortality in patients with CRC harboring this mutation is more than double that of patients with no known BRAF mutation present. 2-4 “The BRAFTOVI combination helped significantly reduce the risk of disease progression or death, potentially altering the course of disease for people with metastatic colorectal cancer with a BRAF V600E mutation,” said Johanna Bendell, M.D., Chief Oncology Development Officer, Pfizer. “These unprecedented results from the BREAKWATER trial further establish the benefit of the BRAFTOVI combination regimen and its potential to become a new standard-of-care, building on Pfizer’s legacy in precision medicine and commitment to delivering breakthrough medicines that help people with cancer live better and longer lives.” The updated objective response rate (ORR) by BICR confirmed the improvement previously observed with the BRAFTOVI combination regimen compared to patients receiving chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab (65.7%; 95% CI, 59.4, 71.4 and 37.4%; 95% CI, 31.6, 43.7, respectively). The estimated median duration of response and median time to response were also maintained from the prior primary analysis. Results from the primary analysis of ORR were presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium (ASCO GI) and were simultaneously published in Nature Medicine in January 2025. Additional data from a separate arm of the BREAKWATER study evaluating BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab will also be presented at ASCO. “The risk of death for patients with BRAF V600E -mutant metastatic colorectal cancer is more than double compared to those with no known mutation,” said Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer, Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “These survival outcomes from the BREAKWATER study bring renewed hope to patients and their loved ones, providing the possibility of more time together. We are thrilled to see important cancer research propel us closer to our goal of ending this disease.” At the time of this analysis, the safety profile of BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 continued to be consistent with the known safety profile of each respective agent. No new safety signals were identified. The most common side effects (≥30%) were nausea, anemia, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, neutrophil count decrease, arthralgia, and rash. Among patients receiving BRAFTOVI in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, 13.8% experienced an adverse reaction that resulted in permanent discontinuation of BRAFTOVI. The BRAFTOVI combination regimen received accelerated approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2024 for patients with BRAF V600E -mutant mCRC based on a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in confirmed ORR in treatment-naïve patients, the study’s other dual primary endpoint. 5 Continued approval for this indication is contingent upon verification of clinical benefit. The approval was among the first in the industry to be conducted under the FDA’s Project FrontRunner, which seeks to support the development and approval of new cancer drugs for advanced or metastatic disease. The BREAKWATER survival data are being discussed with the U.S. FDA to support potential conversion to full approval in 2025. Pfizer is continuing its commitment to help non-scientists understand the latest findings with the development of abstract plain language summaries (APLS) for company-sponsored research being presented, which are written in non-technical language. Those interested in learning more can visit www.Pfizer.com/apls to access the summaries. About BREAKWATER BREAKWATER is a Phase 3, randomized, active-controlled, open-label, multicenter trial of BRAFTOVI with cetuximab, alone or in combination with mFOLFOX6 in participants with previously untreated BRAF V600E -mutant metastatic CRC. Patients were randomized to receive BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab (discontinued after randomization of 158 patients), BRAFTOVI 300 mg orally once daily in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 (n=236) or mFOLFOX6, FOLFOXIRI, or CAPOX each with or without bevacizumab (control-arm) (n=243). The dual primary endpoints are ORR and progression-free survival (PFS) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). Overall survival is a key secondary endpoint. About Colorectal Cancer (CRC) CRC is the third most common type of cancer in the world, with approximately 1.8 million new diagnoses in 2022. 1 It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 6 Overall, the lifetime risk of developing CRC is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women. 6 In the U.S. alone, an estimated 154,270 people will be diagnosed with cancer of the colon or rectum in 2025, and approximately 53,000 are estimated to die from the disease each year. 7 For 20% of those diagnosed with CRC, the disease has metastasized, or spread, making it harder to treat, and up to 50% of patients with localized disease eventually develop metastases. 8 BRAF mutations are estimated to occur in 8-12% of people with mCRC and represent a poor prognosis for these patients. 2 The BRAF V600E mutation is the most common BRAF mutation and the risk of mortality in patients with CRC with the BRAF V600E mutation is more than double that of patients with no known BRAF mutation present. 2-4 Despite the high unmet need in BRAF V600E -mutant mCRC, prior to December 20, 2024, there were no approved biomarker-driven therapies specifically indicated for people with previously untreated BRAF V600E -mutant mCRC. 9,10 About BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib) BRAFTOVI is an oral small molecule kinase inhibitor that targets BRAF V600E . Inappropriate activation of proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway (RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK) has been shown to occur in certain cancers, including CRC. Pfizer has exclusive rights to BRAFTOVI in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in Japan and South Korea, Medison has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in Israel and Pierre Fabre Laboratories has exclusive rights to commercialize the product in all other countries, including Europe and Asia (excluding Japan and South Korea). INDICATION AND USAGE BRAFTOVI ® (encorafenib) is indicated, in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6, for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on response rate and durability of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). BRAFTOVI is also indicated, in combination with cetuximab, for the treatment of adult patients with mCRC with a BRAF V600E mutation, as detected by an FDA-approved test, after prior therapy. Limitations of Use: BRAFTOVI is not indicated for treatment of patients with wild-type BRAF CRC. View the full Prescribing Information . About Pfizer Oncology At Pfizer Oncology, we are at the forefront of a new era in cancer care. Our industry-leading portfolio and extensive pipeline includes three core mechanisms of action to attack cancer from multiple angles, including small molecules, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and bispecific antibodies, including other immune-oncology biologics. We are focused on delivering transformative therapies in some of the world’s most common cancers, including breast cancer, genitourinary cancer, hematology-oncology, and thoracic cancers, which includes lung cancer. Driven by science, we are committed to accelerating breakthroughs to help people with cancer live better and longer lives. About Pfizer: Breakthroughs That Change Patients’ Lives At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to bring therapies to people that extend and significantly improve their lives. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of health care products, including innovative medicines and vaccines. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as one of the world’s premier innovative biopharmaceutical companies, we collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For 175 years, we have worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. We routinely post information that may be important to investors on our website at www.Pfizer.com . In addition, to learn more, please visit us on www.Pfizer.com and follow us on X at @Pfizer and @Pfizer News , LinkedIn , YouTube and like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Pfizer . References SOURCE: Pfizer