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October 21, 2016 5:45 am ET

KEYTRUDA is the First Immunotherapy to Show Improved Overall Survival Compared With Chemotherapy in Urothelial Cancer

KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada,
today announced that the phase 3 KEYNOTE-045 trial investigating the use
of KEYTRUDA^® (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1
therapy, in patients with previously treated advanced urothelial cancer,
met the primary endpoint of overall survival (OS). In this trial,
KEYTRUDA was superior compared to investigator choice chemotherapy.
Based on a pre-specified interim analysis, an independent Data
Monitoring Committee (DMC) has recommended that the trial be stopped
early.

“The results of KEYNOTE-045 represent a major breakthrough and will be
welcome news for patients dealing with previously treated advanced
urothelial cancer,” said Dr. Roger M. Perlmutter, president, Merck
Research Laboratories. “We look forward to sharing the findings from
this study with the medical community and with regulatory authorities
around the world.”

The safety profile of KEYTRUDA in this trial was consistent with that
observed in previously reported studies involving patients with advanced
urothelial cancer. Results from KEYNOTE-045 will be presented at an
upcoming medical meeting.

The KEYTRUDA clinical development program includes more than 30 tumor
types in more than 360 clinical trials, including nearly 200 trials that
combine KEYTRUDA with other cancer treatments. For genitourinary
cancers, Merck has the largest immuno-oncology clinical development
program in bladder cancer, with 27 trials underway involving KEYTRUDA as
monotherapy and in combination, including four registration-enabling
studies.

About KEYNOTE-045

KEYNOTE-045 is a randomized, pivotal, phase 3 study (ClinicalTrials.gov,
NCT02256436) evaluating KEYTRUDA monotherapy compared to
investigator-choice chemotherapy (paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinflunine) in
the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced or
unresectable (inoperable) urothelial cancer that has recurred or
progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. The co-primary
endpoints are overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS);
secondary endpoints are overall response rate (ORR), duration of
response (DOR), and safety. The study randomized 542 patients to receive
KEYTRUDA (200 mg every three weeks) or investigator-choice of paclitaxel
(175 mg/m² every three weeks), docetaxel (75 mg/m²
every three weeks), or vinflunine (320 mg/m² every three
weeks).

About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer begins when cells in the urinary bladder start to grow
uncontrollably. As more cancer cells develop, they can form a tumor and
spread to other areas of the body. Urothelial carcinoma, the most common
type of bladder cancer, starts in the urothelial cells that line the
inside of the bladder. In 2012, approximately 430,000 people worldwide
were diagnosed with bladder cancer and 165,000 died from the disease.
The incidence of bladder cancer is elevated in North America, Europe,
North Africa, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

About KEYTRUDA

^®

(pembrolizumab)

KEYTRUDA is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by increasing the
ability of the body’s immune system to help detect and fight tumor
cells. KEYTRUDA blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands,
PD-L1 and PD-L2, thereby activating T lymphocytes which may affect both
tumor cells and healthy cells.

KEYTRUDA is administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes
every three weeks for the approved indications. KEYTRUDA for injection
is supplied in a 100 mg single use vial.

KEYTRUDA Indications and Dosing

Melanoma

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable or
metastatic melanoma at a dose of 2 mg/kg every three weeks.

Lung Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors express PD-L1 as
determined by an FDA-approved test with disease progression on or after
platinum-containing chemotherapy, at a dose of 2 mg/kg every three
weeks. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have
disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior
to receiving KEYTRUDA. This indication is approved under accelerated
approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. An
improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not yet been
established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent
upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the
confirmatory trials.

Head and Neck Cancer

KEYTRUDA is indicated for the treatment of patients with recurrent or
metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with disease
progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy at a fixed dose
of 200 mg every three weeks. This indication is approved under
accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of
response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon
verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory
trials.

Selected Important Safety Information for KEYTRUDA

^®
 (pembrolizumab)

Immune-mediated pneumonitis, including fatal cases, occurred in patients
receiving KEYTRUDA. Pneumonitis occurred in 32 (2.0%) of 1567 patients
with melanoma, including Grade 1 (0.8%), 2 (0.8%), and 3 (0.4%)
pneumonitis. Pneumonitis occurred in 19 (3.5%) of 550 patients with
NSCLC, including Grade 2 (1.1%), 3 (1.3%), 4 (0.4%), or 5 (0.2%)
pneumonitis and more frequently in patients with a history of
asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5.4%) or prior thoracic
radiation (6.0%). Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of
pneumonitis. Evaluate suspected pneumonitis with radiographic imaging.
Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or greater pneumonitis. Withhold
KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4
or recurrent Grade 2 pneumonitis.

Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 31 (2%) of 1567 patients with
melanoma, including Grade 2 (0.5%), 3 (1.1%), and 4 (0.1%) colitis.
Immune-mediated colitis occurred in 4 (0.7%) of 550 patients with NSCLC,
including Grade 2 (0.2%) or 3 (0.4%) colitis. Monitor patients for signs
and symptoms of colitis. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or
greater colitis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2 or 3; permanently
discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 4 colitis.

Immune-mediated hepatitis occurred in patients receiving KEYTRUDA.
Hepatitis occurred in 16 (1%) of 1567 patients with melanoma, including
Grade 2 (0.1%), 3 (0.7%), and 4 (0.1%) hepatitis. Monitor patients for
changes in liver function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or
greater hepatitis and, based on severity of liver enzyme elevations,
withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA.

Hypophysitis occurred in 13 (0.8%) of 1567 patients with melanoma,
including Grade 2 (0.3%), 3 (0.3%), and 4 (0.1%) hypophysitis.
Hypophysitis occurred in 1 (0.2 %) of 550 patients with NSCLC, which was
Grade 3 in severity. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of
hypophysitis (including hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency).
Administer corticosteroids and hormone replacement as clinically
indicated. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; withhold or discontinue for
Grade 3 or 4 hypophysitis.

Hyperthyroidism occurred in 51 (3.3%) of 1567 patients with melanoma,
including Grade 2 (0.6%) and 3 (0.1%) hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism
occurred in 127 (8.1%) of 1567 patients with melanoma, including Grade 3
(0.1%) hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurred in 10 (1.8%) of 550
patients with NSCLC, including Grade 2 (0.7%) or 3 (0.3%)
hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurred in 38 (6.9%) of 550 patients
with NSCLC, including Grade 2 (5.5%) or 3 (0.2%) hypothyroidism. New or
worsening hypothyroidism occurred in 28 (14.6%) of 192 patients with
HNSCC, including Grade 3 (0.5%) hypothyroidism. Thyroid disorders can
occur at any time during treatment. Monitor patients for changes in
thyroid function (at the start of treatment, periodically during
treatment, and as indicated based on clinical evaluation) and for
clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disorders. Administer replacement
hormones for hypothyroidism and manage hyperthyroidism with thionamides
and beta-blockers as appropriate. Withhold or discontinue KEYTRUDA for
Grade 3 or 4 hyperthyroidism.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus, including diabetic ketoacidosis, occurred in 3
(0.1%) of 2117 patients. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other
signs and symptoms of diabetes. Administer insulin for type 1 diabetes,
and withhold KEYTRUDA and administer anti-hyperglycemics in patients
with severe hyperglycemia.

Immune-mediated nephritis occurred in patients receiving KEYTRUDA.
Nephritis occurred in 7 (0.4%) of 1567 patients with melanoma including,
Grade 2 (0.2%), 3 (0.2%), and 4 (0.1%) nephritis. Monitor patients for
changes in renal function. Administer corticosteroids for Grade 2 or
greater nephritis. Withhold KEYTRUDA for Grade 2; permanently
discontinue KEYTRUDA for Grade 3 or 4 nephritis.

Other clinically important immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur.
For suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, ensure adequate
evaluation to confirm etiology or exclude other causes. Based on the
severity of the adverse reaction, withhold KEYTRUDA and administer
corticosteroids. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate
corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Based
on limited data from clinical studies in patients whose immune-related
adverse reactions could not be controlled with corticosteroid use,
administration of other systemic immunosuppressants can be considered.
Resume KEYTRUDA when the adverse reaction remains at Grade 1 or less
following corticosteroid taper. Permanently discontinue KEYTRUDA for any
Grade 3 immune-mediated adverse reaction that recurs and for any
life-threatening immune-mediated adverse reaction.

The following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions
occurred in less than 1% (unless otherwise indicated) of 1567 patients
with melanoma: arthritis (1.6%), exfoliative dermatitis, bullous
pemphigoid, uveitis, myositis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myasthenia
gravis, vasculitis, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, and partial seizures
arising in a patient with inflammatory foci in brain parenchyma. The
following clinically significant, immune-mediated adverse reactions
occurred in less than 1% of 550 patients with NSCLC: rash, vasculitis,
hemolytic anemia, serum sickness, and myasthenia gravis.

Severe and life-threatening infusion-related reactions have been
reported in 3 (0.1%) of 2117 patients. Monitor patients for signs and
symptoms of infusion-related reactions including rigors, chills,
wheezing, pruritus, flushing, rash, hypotension, hypoxemia, and fever.
For Grade 3 or 4 reactions, stop infusion and permanently discontinue
KEYTRUDA.

Based on its mechanism of action, KEYTRUDA can cause fetal harm when
administered to a pregnant woman. If used during pregnancy, or if the
patient becomes pregnant during treatment, apprise the patient of the
potential hazard to a fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to
use highly effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months
after the last dose of KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-006, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 9%
of 555 patients with advanced melanoma; adverse reactions leading to
discontinuation in more than one patient were colitis (1.4%), autoimmune
hepatitis (0.7%), allergic reaction (0.4%), polyneuropathy (0.4%), and
cardiac failure (0.4%). Adverse reactions leading to interruption of
KEYTRUDA occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (≥1%) was diarrhea
(2.5%). The most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs ipilimumab
were fatigue (28% vs 28%), diarrhea (26% with KEYTRUDA), rash (24% vs
23%), and nausea (21% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding incidence rates are
listed for ipilimumab only for those adverse reactions that occurred at
the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

In KEYNOTE-002, KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in
12% of 357 patients with advanced melanoma; the most common (≥1%) were
general physical health deterioration (1%), asthenia (1%), dyspnea (1%),
pneumonitis (1%), and generalized edema (1%). Adverse reactions leading
to interruption of KEYTRUDA occurred in 14% of patients; the most common
(≥1%) were dyspnea (1%), diarrhea (1%), and maculopapular rash (1%). The
most common adverse reactions with KEYTRUDA vs chemotherapy were fatigue
(43% with KEYTRUDA), pruritus (28% vs 8%), rash (24% vs 8%),
constipation (22% vs 20%), nausea (22% with KEYTRUDA), diarrhea (20% vs
20%), and decreased appetite (20% with KEYTRUDA). Corresponding
incidence rates are listed for chemotherapy only for those adverse
reactions that occurred at the same or lower rate than with KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 14% of 550
patients with NSCLC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 38% of
patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at
least 2% of patients were pleural effusion, pneumonia, dyspnea,
pulmonary embolism, and pneumonitis. The most common adverse reactions
(reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue (44%), cough (29%),
decreased appetite (25%), and dyspnea (23%).

KEYTRUDA was discontinued due to adverse reactions in 17% of 192
patients with HNSCC. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of
patients. The most frequent serious adverse reactions reported in at
least 2% of patients were pneumonia, dyspnea, confusional state,
vomiting, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure. The most common
adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) were fatigue
(46%), decreased appetite (22%), and dyspnea (20%).

It is not known whether KEYTRUDA is excreted in human milk. Because many
drugs are excreted in human milk, instruct women to discontinue nursing
during treatment with KEYTRUDA and for 4 months after the final dose.

Safety and effectiveness of KEYTRUDA have not been established in
pediatric patients.

Our Focus on Cancer

Our goal is to translate breakthrough science into innovative oncology
medicines to help people with cancer worldwide. At Merck Oncology,
helping people fight cancer is our passion and supporting accessibility
to our cancer medicines is our commitment. Our focus is on pursuing
research in immuno-oncology and we are accelerating every step in the
journey – from lab to clinic – to potentially bring new hope to people
with cancer.

As part of our focus on cancer, Merck is committed to exploring the
potential of immuno-oncology with one of the fastest-growing development
programs in the industry. We are currently executing an expansive
research program that includes more than 360 clinical trials evaluating
our anti-PD-1 therapy across more than 30 tumor types. We also continue
to strengthen our immuno-oncology portfolio through strategic
acquisitions and are prioritizing the development of several promising
immunotherapeutic candidates with the potential to improve the treatment
of advanced cancers.

For more information about our oncology clinical trials, visit www.merck.com/clinicaltrials.

About Merck

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to
help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States
and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic
therapies, and animal health products, we work with customers and
operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health
solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to
health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships.
For more information, visit www.merck.com
and connect with us on Twitter,
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YouTube
and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA (the
“company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of
the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs
and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to
significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with
respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the
necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be
commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or
risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially
from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry
conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest
rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of
pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the
United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost
containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained
by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to
accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties
or delays; financial instability of international economies and
sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents
and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to
litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any
forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results
to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements can be found in the company’s 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K
and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).

Please see Prescribing Information for KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) at 

http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf

 and

Patient Information/Medication Guide for KEYTRUDA at 

http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_mg.pdf

.

Merck
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