Merck’s Keytruda shows positive effect in late-stage breast cancer study

Merck (NYSE:MRK) perks up 1% premarket on light volume in response to positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial, KEYNOTE-522, evaluating Keytruda (pembrolizumab), combined with chemo, compared to placebo + chemo as neoadjuvant therapy followed by Keytruda compared to placebo as adjuvant therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

The dual primary endpoints are pathological complete response (pCR) rate up to week 30 and event-free survival up to ~eight years. The estimated completion date is September 2025.

Interim data showed a statistically significant improvement in pCR in the Keytruda cohort compared to chemo alone regardless of PD-L1 status. The study will continue unchanged to assess the survival endpoint.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3482662-mercks-keytruda-shows-positive-effect-late-stage-tnbc-study-shares-1-percent-premarket