Cancer Trial: Merck Combo Cuts Renal Cell Cancer Recurrence 28%

Merck stock heads into Monday with Keytruda, Welireg cancer data and FDA review dates on deck

Merck shares rose 3.8% to $123.82 Friday, trading on heavy volume. The company reported Phase 3 trial results showing Keytruda-based combinations improved survival in ovarian and kidney cancers. The FDA set June 19 and Oct. 4, 2026, target dates for reviews of Keytruda and Welireg combinations in kidney cancer. Keytruda accounted for nearly half of Merck’s 2025 revenue, with major patents expiring in 2028. The post Merck stock heads into Monday …

KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus WELIREG® (belzutifan) Given as Adjuvant Therapy Reduced the Risk of Disease Recurrence or Death by 28% Compared to KEYTRUDA Monotherapy in Certain Patients With Earlier-Stage Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

This is the first positive Phase 3 trial for WELIREG in earlier-stage disease, the first positive results for a HIF-2α inhibitor and immunotherapy combination and the first study in earlier-stage disease, regardless of tumor type, to demonstrate a disease-free survival improvement compared to KEYTRUDA Based on these data, the U.S. FDA has accepted for priority [...] The post KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) Plus WELIREG® (belzutifan) Given as Adjuvant …

New Study Shows Belzutifan and Pembrolizumab Combo Extends Cancer-Free

In a groundbreaking advancement for kidney cancer treatment, the recent phase 3 LITESPARK-022 clinical trial has demonstrated that combining belzutifan, a novel HIF-2α inhibitor, with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab significantly improves disease-free survival rates in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) at high risk for recurrence following surgery. These findings, unveiled by […]

Merck looks to expand Welireg label following combo readouts with Keytruda, Lenvima

Merck is seeking approval for two new combination regimens using its drug Welireg to treat kidney cancer, even though it doesn't yet have data confirming it extends patients' lives. On Saturday, it shared results from ...