Merck's Keytruda Gets Canadian Approval for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Merck has received Canadian approval for its immunotherapy drug, Keytruda, to treat cervical cancer. The approval was granted based on the results of the KEYNOTE-A18 trial, which showed improved progression-free survival and overall survival compared to the placebo. The average target price for Merck stock is $101.50, with an upside of 28.07% from the current price. The estimated GF Value for Merck in one year is $122.54, suggesting a 54.62% upside from the current price.

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has received Health Canada's approval for its immunotherapy drug, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in combination with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for the treatment of FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA cervical cancer. This approval is based on the results of the Phase III KEYNOTE-A18 trial, also known as ENGOT-cx11/GOG-3047, which demonstrated statistically significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to placebo plus CRT.

The KEYNOTE-A18 trial enrolled 1,060 newly diagnosed patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. The trial found that pembrolizumab in combination with CRT significantly improved PFS (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.70; 95% CI: 0.55–0.89; p = 0.002) and OS (HR 0.67; 95% CI: 0.50–0.90; p = 0.004) in the overall population. The efficacy results were primarily driven by the later-stage subgroup of patients with FIGO 2014 Stage III-IVA disease, where pembrolizumab plus CRT demonstrated improvements in PFS (HR 0.59; 95% CI 0.43, 0.81) and OS (HR 0.58; 95% CI 0.40, 0.85).

Dr. Shannon Salvador, Gynecologic Oncologist at the Jewish General Hospital and President of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada, stated that this approval is an important addition to the treatment of gynecological cancers. Dr. André Galarneau, Executive Director & Vice President, Oncology Business Unit at Merck Canada, added that this approval marks a pivotal moment for patients, representing the first indication in Canada for Keytruda in combination with chemoradiotherapy.

Keytruda is an anti-programmed death receptor-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy that works by helping the immune system detect and fight tumor cells. The average target price for Merck stock is $101.50, with an estimated upside of 28.07% from the current price. The estimated GF Value for Merck in one year is $122.54, suggesting a 54.62% upside from the current price.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/health-canada-approves-keytruda-treatment-150000830.html