Merck’s Investigational ADC Zilovertamab Vedotin Enters Phase 3 with 100% Complete Response Rate in DLBCL Patients

100% Complete Response Rate:
Merck's investigational antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) zilovertamab vedotin, in combination with R-CHP, achieved a 100% complete response rate in patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) at a dose of 1.75 mg/kg in a Phase 2 trial1.

Phase 3 Dose Established:
Based on the Phase 2 data, the 1.75 mg/kg dose has been established as the recommended dose for the Phase 3 trial1.

waveLINE Program:
The waveLINE program includes multiple clinical trials evaluating zilovertamab vedotin in various B-cell malignancies, including a Phase 2/3 study in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL (waveLINE-003) and a Phase 3 study in treatment-naïve patients with DLBCL (waveLINE-010)1.

ROR1 Targeting:
Zilovertamab vedotin targets the receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1), which is overexpressed in multiple hematologic malignancies1.

Clinical Significance:
The results are promising and support further research in the first-line setting to address the significant unmet need for patients with DLBCL, as approximately 40% of patients experience relapsed or refractory disease after initial treatment with the current standard of care1.

Sources:

1. https://www.merck.com/news/mercks-investigational-zilovertamab-vedotin-in-combination-with-r-chp-demonstrates-complete-response-rate-of-100-at-1-75-mg-kg-dose-in-phase-2-trial-of-previously-untreated-patients-with-diff/