My understanding is that Keytruda achieves an ORR (Objective Response Rate) of ~15% as a monotherapy in NSCLC, which is not much better than chemo in a first-line therapy (hence Merck's lack of enthusiasm in applying for EU approval). The most promising results so far are from the combination of Incytes' IDO inhibitor with Keytuda in a Phase 1 trial in NSCLC, which achieved ~30% ORR (but with small patient numbers at this stage).
If the Cavatak/Keytruda trial generates equivalent or better results in NSCLC, then Merck will be extremely interested. Ultimately, Merck wants the best combination treatment with Keytruda to be approved as the first-line therapy, which explains Merck's support of the many combination trials that are ongoing at present.
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VLA Price at posting:
76.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
