Merck posts early clinical data on subcutaneous Keytruda, setting stage for further studies
Source: Fierce Pharma, April 2021
Merck has presented early clinical data on subcutaneous formulations of its blockbuster checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda. The data drop is an early step in an ongoing effort to reformulate Keytruda ahead of the anticipated expiration of U.S. patents in 2028.
Keytruda and rival checkpoint inhibitors are currently given intravenously. However, as in other parts of the biologics industry, there is some interest in moving to subcutaneous formulations that reduce the burden on patients. Pfizer is a big proponent of the approach, having taken subcutaneous PD-1 drug sasanlimab into phase 3 late in 2019, but market leader Merck is also active.