This past week, two separate clinical trial results suggested that Kenilworth's mega-blockbuster pembrolizumab (branded as Keytruda®) is significantly improving survival durations as a standalone-, and as a combo-therapy (with a Pfizer agent), in hard-to-treat kidney cancers (or, renal cell carcinomas) -- measured over current standard treatments.
[The below pull quote suggests these developments may add to the market penetration erosion of BMS's Opdivo® -- in immuno-oncology, though Opdivo will (of course!) remain a mega-blockbuster -- garnering multiple billions in annual sales, well into 2025.]
Here's a link, and just a bit, from BioPharmaDive:
. . . .Better-than-expected positive results from a late-stage study could position Merck & Co's immunotherapy Keytruda to play a large role in the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer, putting pressure on rival Bristol-Myers Squibb at a critical time.
Combining Keytruda with Pfizer's Inlyta nearly halved the risk of death in previously untreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) when compared to Pfizer's older drug Sutent, currently the standard of care. Notably, the combination's benefit was consistent across risk groups and levels of PD-L1, a biomarker frequently correlated with response to immunotherapy.
While Merck has largely wrested a leading position in the immuno-oncology market from Bristol-Myers, RCC is one cancer type Bristol-Myers' rival Opdivo still holds a marked advantage in, having secured approvals in 2015 and 2018. Analysts view Merck's data as highly competitive, however, and likely to position Keytruda well versus Opdivo. . . .
Now you know. . . it is an exciting time to be. . . alive. Off, to shovel again -- as another measurable snowfall passed through overnight; an added workout. Smile.
नमस्ते
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