Merck and Array to test Keytruda in combo with binimetinib

Shares of Array BioPharma (Nasdaq: ARRY) were up more than 4% at $7.47 in pre-market trading, after the company said it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration agreement with Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK).

Under the accord, the companies will investigate the safety and efficacy of Array's MEK inhibitor, binimetinib, with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with microsatellite stable tumors (MSS CRC).

The companies are entering into this collaboration based on the growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence that the immune activity of an anti-PD-1 therapy, such as Keytruda, can be enhanced when combined with a MEK inhibitor, such as binimetinib.