Merck presses the pause button on Keytruda trials
The pause is to allow for additional information to be collected to better understand more reports of death in the Keytruda groups.
Merck (MSD) has provided an update on two combination studies of Keytruda (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1 therapy, in the blood cancer multiple myeloma.
Merck has accepted the external Data Monitoring Committee recommendation to pause new enrollment on KEYNOTE-183 and KEYNOTE-185, two studies exploring Keytruda treatment in combination with other therapies in multiple myeloma. The pause is to allow for additional information to be collected to better understand more reports of death in the Keytruda groups. Patients currently enrolled in these two studies will continue to receive treatment. Other studies of Keytruda continue unchanged.
KEYNOTE-183 is a Phase III study comparing pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone with Keytruda to pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone alone in patients with refractory or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (rrMM) who have undergone at least two lines of prior treatment. KEYNOTE-185 is a Phase III study comparing lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone with Keytruda to lenalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone alone in patients with newly diagnosed and treatment-naïve multiple myeloma who are ineligible for autologous stem cell transplant (Auto-SCT).
Related News
-
News Understanding the Benefits and Advances of Cleanroom Technology
In an industry where precision and sterility are crucial concerns, cleanrooms play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical products like drugs, vaccines, and other medical products. So, what is a cleanroom?
-
News AbbVie secures GBP£1.2 billion deal for Gilgamesh’s psychedelic programme
AbbVie has penned a significant agreement to acquire the bretisilocin programme from Gilgamesh Pharmaceuticals for up to £1.2 billion, marking a bold step in the pharmaceutical giant's quest to develop treatments for psychiatric disorders. -
News Gates Foundation commits US$2.5 billion to women’s health research
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a substantial US$2.5 billion commitment to accelerate research and development focused exclusively on women's health through 2030.
-
News Mid-year review: notable FDA drug approvals of 2025
As we fly past the halfway point of 2025, the pharmaceutical landscape reliably continues to evolve with innovative therapies addressing critical medical needs. The FDA has already approved 17 groundbreaking medications this year, each representin... -
News US FDA announces new priority vouchers for accelerated review times
The US FDA announced a new priority program for drug developers – the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) program aims to enhance the health interests of the US by allowing drug developers to redeem a voucher, shortening th... -
News Google-backed start-up raises US$600 million to support AI drug discovery and design
London-based Isomorphic Labs, an AI-driven drug design and development start-up backed by Google’s AI research lab DeepMind, has raised US$600 million in its first external funding round by Thrive Capital. The funding will provide further power t... -
News AstraZeneca to invest US$2.5 billion in Beijing R&D centre
Amid investigations of former AstraZeneca China head Leon Wang in 2024, AstraZeneca have outlined plans to establish its sixth global strategic R&D centre in China. Their aim is to further advance life sciences in China with major research and manufact... -
News Experimental drug for managing aortic valve stenosis shows promise
The new small molecule drug ataciguat is garnering attention for its potential to manage aortic valve stenosis, which may prevent the need for surgery and significantly improve patient experience.