Merck and MD Anderson Cancer Center Announce Strategic Immuno-Oncology Research Collaboration in Solid Tumours

Merck (MSD) and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have entered into a strategic clinical research collaboration to evaluate Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or novel antitumour medicines.

Under the terms of the agreement, collaborative studies will be conducted in the following tumour types: gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma — over the 3-year period of the collaboration. The first studies are scheduled to start enrolling later this year.

The agreement aims to define what combination modalities will work best with Keytruda in these types of tumours by exploring promising new alternatives. The studies will be conducted in parallel, to determine optimal regimens in the most efficient manner possible. All studies will feature state-of-the-art monitoring protocols and built-in flexibility to take advantage of the very latest information available.

“Through these types of collaborations, we are able to engage in larger, more comprehensive studies that aim to accelerate the pace of discovery,” said Patrick Hwu, division head, cancer medicine at MD Anderson. “We believe that this new agreement will help to speed delivery of new cancer treatments that our patients expect and deserve.”

“This agreement embodies Merck’s commitment to collaborating with leaders in the field to  apidly advance breakthrough science and further the goal of bringing new treatment approaches to patients,” said Dr Roger Dansey, senior vice president and therapeutic area head, oncology late-stage development, Merck Research Laboratories. “Agreements like this are an integral part of our strategy to evaluate Keytruda in multiple tumours and combinations.”

MD Anderson is a world-recognized academic research institution that has consistently led the charge in researching breakthrough cancer therapies, and was a key contributor to early investigations exploring the use of Keytruda in the treatment of multiple tumour types. Past research collaborations with Merck and MD Anderson were pivotal in achieving the FDA approval of Keytruda as a treatment for unresectable or metastatic melanoma.