STAT+: Merck ADC drug cut risk of death by one-third in advanced endometrial cancer

Adam Feuerstein is a senior writer and biotech columnist, reporting on the crossroads of drug development, business, Wall Street, and biotechnology. He is also a co-host of the weekly biotech podcast The Readout Loud and author of the newsletter Adam’s Biotech Scorecard. You can reach Adam on Signal at stataf.54.MADRID — A type of targeted chemotherapy developed by Merck and China’s Kelun-Biotech cut by one-third the risk of death in patients with advanced endometrial cancer, a common gynecological cancer, according to randomized Phase 3 study results presented Monday. The drug, called sacituzumab tirumotecan, or sac-TMT, has already shown survival-extending benefits for patients across multiple cancer types in studies conducted by Kelun in China, where it’s approved. Merck is conducting 18 global Phase 3 studies of sac-TMT, including 10 studies in women’s cancers, to support approvals in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere outside China. The drug plays a crucial role in Merck’s efforts to replace revenue that will be lost when Keytruda, its blockbuster immunotherapy, loses patent protection in 2028. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe