Merck, Inc.

Phanes Therapeutics announced the first patient dosed in the clinical study of PT886 combined with Merck’s KEYTRUDA® for gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. PT886, a first-in-class bispecific antibody targeting claudin 18.2 and CD47, has received FDA orphan drug and Fast Track designations. The TWINPEAK study evaluates PT886’s safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy in advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction, and pancreatic cancers.

Antennova presented ATN-037 data at ESMO Congress 2024, showing ORR of 21.1% and DCR of 89.5% in NSCLC/melanoma patients resistant to CPIs. Phase I data indicated ATN-037's potential to reverse anti-PD-1 resistance.

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) showed sustained survival benefits over ipilimumab (Yervoy) in unresectable stage III or IV melanoma patients, with 10-year follow-up data from the KEYNOTE-006 study presented at the 2024 ESMO Congress. Pembrolizumab had a median overall survival (OS) of 32.7 months vs 15.9 months for ipilimumab, with 8- and 10-year OS rates of 36.9% and 34.0% vs 24.8% and 23.6%, respectively. The study also highlighted the safety profile and long-term efficacy of pembrolizumab, supporting its standard of care status in advanced melanoma.

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) showed improved survival over ipilimumab (Yervoy) in stage III/IV melanoma patients, with 10-year OS rates of 34% vs 23.6% and MSS rates of 45.2% vs 31.3%. Pembrolizumab's median OS was 32.7 months vs 15.9 months for ipilimumab, and median modified PFS was 9.4 months vs 3.8 months. Patients who responded well to initial pembrolizumab treatment had significant long-term benefits, with 80% OS rate after 94 weeks of treatment. These results support pembrolizumab as a standard care for advanced melanoma.

Final analysis of LITESPARK-005 showed belzutifan maintained PFS and ORR benefits over everolimus in advanced clear cell RCC, with durable responses lasting over 2 years, though no OS improvement. Belzutifan, an oral HIF-2a inhibitor, led to a higher ORR (22.7%) vs everolimus (3.5%) and longer median DOR (19.3 months vs 13.7 months). Despite longer treatment duration, belzutifan exhibited comparable or reduced toxicities. No new safety signals were observed.

11/16 patients in Evaxion's phase 2 trial showed 69% Overall Response Rate with tumor reduction in 15/16 patients. Full data to be presented at ESMO 2024 and discussed in a webinar with Professor Georgina V. Long on September 18, 2024.

Antennova to present ATN-037 data at ESMO Congress 2024, showing 43.8% DCR in monotherapy and 65.0% DCR in combination therapy.

Hilleman Laboratories' partner Bharat Biotech launched Hillchol oral cholera vaccine, using a single, genetically engineered Hikojima strain. Approved in India, Bharat Biotech aims for WHO prequalification for global distribution. The vaccine, developed through collaboration, addresses global cholera vaccine shortages.