Merck extends leadership in lung cancer with new Keytruda approval

New Jersey, USA-based Merck & Co (NYSE: MRK) has picked up another approval in Europe for Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in combination with chemo, for the first-line treatment of squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The decision was widely anticipated, following a positive recommendation from the European Medicines Agency’s advisory committee in February.

Reaping the rewards of an extensive clinical trial program, Keytruda has received a steady flow of approvals from major regulators, with sales exceeding $7 billion in 2018, largely due to superior benefits in lung cancer.