Merck (NYSE:MRK) announced on Wednesday that its experimental therapy did not meet the primary endpoint in a late-stage trial evaluating its effectiveness in patients with a specific type of colorectal cancer.
The study assessed the combination of Merck's investigational drug favezelimab with its established immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
The company reported that patients receiving this combination did not exhibit a significant improvement in overall survival compared to those undergoing standard-of-care treatment.
Favezelimab is designed to enhance the immune system's response against cancer cells by targeting the LAG-3 protein, potentially working synergistically with Keytruda.
Despite the setback, Merck highlighted that the combination therapy is still under investigation for treating certain blood disorders and solid tumors.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, underscoring the need for innovative therapies.
Merck's ongoing research efforts aim to address this critical healthcare challenge.
Following the announcement, Merck's share price remained steady at $114.96.