Merck’s Keytruda and LAG-3 Antibody Combo Fails in Phase 3 Colorectal Cancer Trial

Trial Failure:
Merck & Co.'s Phase 3 KEYFORM-007 trial, which combined Keytruda (pembrolizumab) with the investigational anti-LAG-3 antibody favezelimab, failed to meet its primary endpoint of improving overall survival in patients with previously treated PD-L1 positive microsatellite stable (MSS) metastatic colorectal cancer.

Safety Profile:
The safety profile of the fixed-dose combination was consistent with previous studies, showing no new safety signals.

Continued Development:
Despite this setback, Merck plans to continue advancing its clinical development program to evaluate Keytruda-based combinations and novel candidates for colorectal cancer patients.

Challenging Indication:
The failure highlights the challenges in treating MSS colorectal cancer, which has had limited response to immunotherapies.

Previous Failures:
This failure follows other recent setbacks for Keytruda combination trials in lung and skin cancer, limiting further expansion of Keytruda's use ahead of its expected patent expiration in 2028.