Not intended for UK- or US-based media
ASCO Abstract # ERBITUX(R) (cetuximab): 3521, 3534, e15711; avelumab: 9507, 9537, 9090, 9008, 8563, 3057, 4544, e21531, e13603, e18932, e21623, e21620, e21544; tepotinib (c-Met kinase inhibitor): 9082, 9016; M6620 (ATR inhibitor): 2549, e21048; M3814 (DNA-PK): 2518 M7824 (TGF-ss trap/anti-PD-L1): 3007, 9017, 2566; M2698 (dual p70S6k/Akt inhibitor): 2584
. Two-year safety and efficacy data in mMCC for avelumab from pivotal JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial
. Further data reinforcing commitment to precision medicine and position of ERBITUXŽ (cetuximab) as a standard of care in mCRC
. Early clinical activity in advanced NSCLC and HPV-associated cancers for investigational bifunctional immunotherapy, M7824
. Encouraging interim analysis of Phase II data in NSCLC sub-population for the c-Met inhibitor, tepotinib
. The record number of abstracts accepted across oncology, immuno-oncology and DNA Damage Response (DDR)
Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced new data from a number of high priority clinical development programs across its oncology portfolio to be presented at this year’s American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO), June 1-5, 2018, Chicago, IL. Abstracts representing seven therapeutic agents and eight tumour types will highlight Merck’s position as a key emerging player in oncology.
“This year’s data at ASCO demonstrate the potential of our pipeline to really deliver transformative advancements in cancer care,” said Luciano Rossetti, Executive Vice President, Head of Global Research & Development at the biopharma business of Merck. “With our strong commitment and focus on the areas we believe in most, Merck’s oncology and immuno-oncology pipeline are demonstrating significant potential in the near term with our later-stage priority programs and, in parallel, our early pipeline includes truly innovative programs that could make a real difference for patients.”
Data for the legacy brand ERBITUX(R) continue to build on Merck’s heritage in oncology reinforcing its role as a standard of care in RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the standard of care in first-line recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN), and a standard of care for patients with locally advanced SCCHN (LA SCCHN), who may not be able to tolerate cisplatin-based regimens in full.
New data for avelumab* (BAVENCIO(R)), which is being jointly developed and commercialized by Pfizer, include an oral presentation on two-year results from the pivotal JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial. These long-term results include data on avelumab’s duration of response and represent the first study to report long-term survival data for an immunotherapy in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC).
The company will also present further evidence for M7824, an investigational TGF-ss trap/anti-PD-L1 bi-functional immunotherapy fusion protein, from expansion cohorts of the ongoing M7824 Phase I clinical trial (NCT02517398) program. TGF-beta, a cytokine released by cells (including tumor cells), suppresses anti-tumor immune responses through a vast number of mechanisms leading to uninhibited tumor growth and metastasis. These data include results in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers (presented in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute) and data in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In second-line (2L) NSCLC, signs of clinical activity were seen across PD-L1 expression levels. At the recommended Phase II dose, a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 40.7% (11/27) was observed in PD-L1+ patients (greater than or equal to1%), and in patients with high PD-L1 expression (80%; Ab clone 73-10 [>80%=>50% with 22C3]), the ORR
was 71.4% (5/7). These data signal the potential of M7824 and provide evidence that combining a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) trap with the anti-PD-L1 mechanism in one molecule may generate anti-tumor activity in these patient groups with significant medical need. Treatment with M7824 was well tolerated in both studies and safety data were consistent with that observed in the overall Phase I clinical program. No new safety signals were identified.
For tepotinib**, an investigational highly selective small molecule inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, new data to be presented include promising initial results from an ongoing Phase II VISION study providing further indication for the potential of tepotinib in patients living with advanced NSCLC harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutations. Alterations of the c-Met signaling pathway are found in various cancer types and correlate with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical prognosis. Based on investigator assessment of data from 15 patients in the study, 60% (9/15) had a confirmed partial response (PR) and 20% (3/15) had stable disease (SD). In addition, independent assessment of 13 patients demonstrated treatment with tepotinib led to a confirmed PR in 46.2% (6/13) and SD in 7.7% (1/13) of patients. In this study, the safety data are consistent with that observed in previous studies and confirm that treatment with tepotinib is well tolerated; no new safety signa
ls were identified.
Tepotinib is an important part of Merck’s strategic focus on precision medicines and these results reinforce the company’s progress in delivering treatments to those patients more likely to benefit, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Both M7824 and tepotinib were discovered in-house at Merck.
Further pipeline updates include Phase I dose escalation data for the investigational DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor M3814, Phase I triplet therapy with ATR-inhibitor, M6620 +veliparib+cisplatin in advanced solid tumors, and Phase I data for M2698, a potent and selective dual inhibitor of p70S6K and AKT1/3 in the PAM pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway). The PAM pathway regulates cell survival and growth and this pathway often displays unusual activity in many human cancers.
*Avelumab is under clinical investigation for treatment of NSCLC, metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and mesothelioma and has not been demonstrated to be safe and effective for these indications. There is no guarantee that avelumab will be approved for NSCLC, mUC and mesothelioma by any health authority worldwide.
**Tepotinib is the recommended International Nonproprietary Name (INN) for the c-Met kinase inhibitor (MSC2156119J). Tepotinib is currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use anywhere in the world.
Tepotinib, M7824, M3814, M2698 and M6620 are under clinical investigation and have not been proven to be safe and effective. There is no guarantee any product will be approved in the sought-after indication by any health authority worldwide.
Notes to Editors
Accepted Merck-supported key abstracts slated for presentation are listed below. In addition, a number of investigator-sponsored studies have been accepted (not listed).
Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT) Location
Erbitux (cetuximab)
Poster Sessions
Impact of primary
tumor side on
outcomes of
every-2-weeks
(q2w) cetuximab +
first-line FOLFOX
or FOLFIRI in
patients with RAS
wild-type (wt)
metastatic
colorectal cancer
(mCRC) in the Timothy Jay Sun, Jun 03,
phase 2 APEC Price, MBBS, 8:00 AM – 11:30
trial. FRACP, D.H.Sc 3534 AM Hall A
Final overall
survival (OS)
analysis of
first-line (1L)
FOLFOX-4 plus or
minus cetuximab
(CET) in patients
(pts) with RAS
wild-type (wt)
metastatic
colorectal cancer
(mCRC) in the Sun, Jun 03,
phase 3 TAILOR Shukui Qin, 8:00 AM – 11:30
trial. MD, BA 3521 AM Hall A
Publication
Cost-effectiveness
(CE) of FOLFIRI
(F) + cetuximab vs
F + bevacizumab in
the first-line
treatment of RAS
wild-type (wt)
metastatic
colorectal cancer
(mCRC) in Germany: Stintzing S,
data from the van Oostrum
FIRE-3 (AIO I, Pescott
KRK-0306) study CP, et al. e15711
Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT) Location
Avelumab
Oral Presentations
Two-year efficacy
and safety update
from JAVELIN
Merkel 200 part A:
A registrational
study of avelumab
in metastatic
Merkel cell
carcinoma Mon, Jun 04,
progressed on Paul Nghiem, 10:12 AM – Arie Crown
chemotherapy. MD, PhD 9507 10:24 AM Theater
Avelumab
(anti-PD-L1) in
combination with
crizotinib or
lorlatinib in
patients with
previously treated
advanced NSCLC:
Phase 1b results Fri, Jun 01,
from JAVELIN Lung Alice Tsang 4:30 PM – 4:42
101. Shaw, MD, PhD 9008 PM Hall D1
Poster Sessions
Avelumab
(anti-PD-L1) in
patients with
platinum-treated
advanced NSCLC:
2.5-year follow-up Sun, Jun 03,
from the JAVELIN Arun Rajan, 8:00 AM – 11:30
Solid Tumor trial. MD 9090 AM Hall A
Phase 1b study of
avelumab in
advanced
previously treated
mesothelioma:
long-term
follow-up from Sun, Jun 03,
JAVELIN Solid Raffit 8:00 AM – 11:30
Tumor. Hassan, MD 8563 AM Hall A
Second-line
avelumab treatment
of patients (pts)
with metastatic
Merkel cell
carcinoma (mMCC):
Experience from a
global expanded John WT Mon, Jun 04,
access program Walker, MD, 1:15 PM – 4:45
(EAP). PhD 9537 PM Hall A
Association of
efficacy and
adverse events of
special interest
of avelumab in the
JAVELIN solid Mon, Jun 04,
tumor and JAVELIN Karen Kelly, 8:00 AM – 11:30
Merkel 200 trials. MD, FASCO 3057 AM Hall A
SPEAR-bladder
(study informing
treatment pathway
decision in
bladder cancer):
First- through
third-line time to Sat, Jun 02,
treatment failure Gurjyot K. 8:00 AM – 11:30
in the US. Doshi, MD 4544 AM Hall A
Publication
Avelumab in
patients with
previously treated
metastatic
melanoma: phase 1b Keilholz U,
results from the Mehnert J,
JAVELIN Solid Bauer S, et
Tumor trial al. e21531
Characteristics,
treatment patterns
and safety events
from 4 cohorts of
advanced or
metastatic cancer Russo L,
patients based on Esposito D,
healthcare claims Lamy FX, et
data al. e13603
Healthcare
resource use and
expenditures among
patients with Kearney M,
Merkel cell Thokagevistk
carcinoma by level K, Boutmy E,
of comorbidity et al. e18932
Projecting
long-term survival
for avelumab in Phatak H,
patients with Proskorovsky
refractory Merkel I, Lanitis T,
cell carcinoma et al. e21623
Predicting overall survival in patients (Pts) with treatment-naive metastatic Merkel Bullement A, Cell carcinoma D’Angelo SP, (mMCC) treated Amin A, et with avelumab al. e21620A novel, open-access data commons for improved disease Murphy M, management in Sartor O, Merkel cell Bertagnolli carcinoma patients M, et al. e21544
Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT) Location
M7824 (beta-trap)
Oral Presentation
Safety and activity of M7824, a bifunctional fusion protein targeting PD-L1
and TGF-beta, in patients with HPV Sat, Jun 02, associated Julius 5:12 PM – 5:24
cancers. Strauss, MD 3007 PM Hall B1
Poster Discussion
Results from a second-line (2L) NSCLC cohort treated with M7824 (MSB0011359C), a bifunctional fusion protein Luis G. Sun, Jun 03, targeting TGF-beta Paz-Ares, MD, 11:30 AM – Arie Crown and PD-L1. PhD 9017 12:45 PM Theater
Poster Session
Selection of the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) for
M7824
(MSB0011359C), a
bifunctional
fusion protein Yulia Mon, Jun 04,
targeting TGF-beta Vugmeyster, 8:00 AM – 11:30
and PD-L1. PhD 2566 AM Hall A
Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT) Location
Tepotinib
Poster Discussion
Tepotinib in
patients with
advanced non-small
cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) harboring
MET exon
14-skipping Sun, Jun 03,
mutations: Phase Enriqueta 11:30 AM – Arie Crown
II trial. Felip, MD 9016 12:45 PM Theatre
Poster Session
Can duration of
response be used
as a surrogate
endpoint for
overall survival
in advanced Sun, Jun 03,
non-small cell Boris M 8:00 AM – 11:30
lung cancer? Pfeiffer 9082 AM Hall A
Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT) Location
M2698
Poster Session
Precision
oncology: Results
of a phase I study
of M2698, a
p70S6K/AKT
targeted agent in
patients with
advanced cancer
and tumor Apostolia
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Maria Mon, Jun 04,
(PAM) pathway Tsimberidou, 8:00 AM – 11:30
abnormalities. MD, PhD 2584 AM Hall A
Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT) Location
M3814
Poster Discussion
A phase Ia/Ib
trial of the
DNA-PK inhibitor
M3814 in
combination with
radiotherapy (RT)
in patients (pts)
with advanced
solid tumors: Baukelien Van Mon, Jun 04,
Dose-escalation Triest, MD, 3:00 PM – 4:15
results. PhD 2518 PM S406
Title Lead Author Abstract # Presentation
Date / Time
(CDT) Location
M6620
Poster Discussion
Phase I trial of the
triplet M6620
(formerly VX970) +
veliparib + cisplatin Geraldine Mon, Jun 04,
in patients with Helen O’Sullivan 8:00 AM –
advanced solid tumors. Coyne, MD,PhD 2549 11:30 AM Hall A
Publication
Safety and tolerability
of intravenous M6620
(VX‑970) administered
with gemcitabine in Plummer R,
subjects with advanced Cook N, Mon, Jun 04,
non-small cell lung Arkenau H-T, 8:00 AM –
cancer (NSCLC) et al. e21048 11:30 AM Hall A
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About Avelumab
Avelumab is a human anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody. Avelumab has been shown in preclinical models to engage both the adaptive and innate immune functions. By blocking the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 receptors, avelumab has been shown to release the suppression of the T cell-mediated antitumor immune response in preclinical models. Avelumab has also been shown to induce NK cell-mediated direct tumor cell lysis via antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro In November 2014, Merck and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.
Approved Indications in the US
The FDA granted accelerated approval for avelumab (BAVENCIO(R)) for the treatment of (i) adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) and (ii) patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. These indications are approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
Important Safety Information from the US FDA Approved Label
The warnings and precautions for BAVENCIO include immune-mediated adverse reactions (such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis and renal dysfunction, and other adverse reactions), infusion-related reactions and embryo-fetal toxicity.
Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in patients treated with BAVENCIO for mMCC and patients with locally advanced or mUC include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, peripheral edema, decreased appetite/hypophagia, urinary tract infection and rash.
About Erbitux(R) (cetuximab)
Erbitux(R) is a highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody, the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor growth. Erbitux also targets cytotoxic immune effector cells towards EGFR expressing tumor cells (antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, ADCC).
The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an acne-like skin rash. In approximately 5% of patients, hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux; about half of these reactions are severe.
Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in over 100 countries world-wide for the treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Merck licensed the right to market Erbitux, a registered trademark of ImClone LLC, outside the U.S. and Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company, in 1998.
About M3814
M3814 is an investigational small-molecule which is thought to inhibit DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). DNA-PK is a key enzyme for non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), an important DNA double strand break (DSB) repair pathway. Clinical studies investigating combinations of M3814 with other commonly used DNA-damaging agents such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are underway.
About M7824
M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy that is designed to bring together a TGF-beta trap and ‘fuse’ it with the anti-PD-L1 mechanism. M7824 is designed to simultaneously block the two immunosuppressive pathways – targeting both pathways aims to control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing anti-tumor responses. M7824 is currently in Phase I studies for solid tumors.
About M2698
M2698 is an investigational small-molecule which is thought to inhibit p70S6K and Akt. Both targets are part of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM)pathway, which is often dysregulated in solid tumors.
About tepotinib
Tepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an investigational small-molecule inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase. Alterations of the c-Met signaling pathway are found in various cancer types and it is thought to correlate with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical prognosis.
About M6620
M6620 (previously known as VX-970) is an investigational small-molecule thought to inhibit ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR). ATR is believed to be a key sensor for DNA damage, activating the DNA damage checkpoint and leading to cell cycle arrest. Inhibition of ATR could potentially enhance the efficacy of DNA-damaging agents, but is also being investigated as a monotherapy against tumors with high levels of replication stress induced by overexpression of oncogenes.
About Merck
Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 53,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck generated sales of EUR 15.3 billion in 66 countries.
Founded in 1668, Merck is the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.
Contact:
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+49-6151-72-9591
Investor relations:
+49-6151-72-3321
Source: Merck KGaA
