Favezelimab

The Colorectal Cancer market is projected to grow significantly by 2034, driven by increasing prevalence and advancements in treatment. Key companies include Mirati Therapeutics, AstraZeneca, and Takeda, with therapies like FRUZAQLA and ENHERTU gaining FDA approval. The US leads in cases, with a focus on metastatic and MSS mutation types. Regular screenings and research are crucial for managing this major public health challenge.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) enhance anti-tumor immunity, benefiting patients with dMMR/MSI-H tumors. Studies show ICIs, like pembrolizumab and nivolumab, improve outcomes in colorectal cancer, especially in dMMR/MSI-H cases. However, pMMR/MSS tumors are less responsive. Research focuses on combination therapies, including ICIs with chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and novel treatments, to improve efficacy in pMMR/MSS colorectal cancer. Biomarkers like TMB and POLE/POLD1 mutations predict ICI response, aiming to expand immunotherapy benefits.

Merck announced the discontinuation of clinical development programs for vibostolimab and favezelimab, anti-TIGIT and anti-LAG-3 antibodies respectively, due to futility in Phase 3 trials for NSCLC and cHL. Safety profiles were consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals. Merck will prioritize other oncology candidates.

Merck is discontinuing clinical development of vibostolimab (anti-TIGIT) and favezelimab (anti-LAG-3) antibodies due to futility in phase 3 trials. KeyVibe-003 and KeyVibe-007 met futility criteria for overall survival in non-small cell lung cancer, while KEYFORM-008 for relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma is ending enrollment. No new safety signals were identified, but immune-related adverse events were more common with dual checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Merck discontinues development of cancer candidates vibostolimab and favezelimab, halting related clinical studies due to futility criteria and higher adverse events. Despite setbacks, Merck's Keytruda remains a top revenue driver, with strategies in place for long-term growth, including innovative combinations and a partnership with Moderna for a cancer vaccine.

Merck has discontinued the KeyVibe and KEYFORM programs investigating vibostolimab and favezelimab, citing data analysis and prioritization of other programs. KeyVibe-003 and KeyVibe-007 trials met futility criteria for overall survival, while KEYFORM-007 failed to meet its primary endpoint. Data analyses continue, with results to be shared with the scientific community.

Merck & Co Inc halts clinical trials for vibostolimab and favezelimab, both in combination with pembrolizumab, due to futility in Phase 3 studies for NSCLC and cHL, respectively. No safety concerns noted. FDA accepts Merck's BLA for clesrovimab, targeting RSV protection in infants, with a decision expected by June 2025.

Merck has halted development of vibostolimab and favezelimab due to disappointing Phase III trial results. Vibostolimab, combined with pembrolizumab, failed in NSCLC trials. Favezelimab's discontinuation followed a review of its clinical program. Both were well-tolerated but lacked efficacy, prompting Merck to focus on more promising oncology candidates.