Merck cements advantage in I/O with first-line approval

On Monday, Merck won FDA approval for its immuno-oncology flagship Keytruda in first-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), giving the company a leg up on rival Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Keytruda is the first anti-PD1 checkpoint inhibitor approved for use in NSCLC, which is considered one of the largest cancer markets. Until now, BMS’ Opdivo has lead the I/O market, with sales nearly triple that of Keytruda. But a failure in first-line NSCLC this summer opened the door for Keytruda to unseat Opdivo.

Read the full article at biopharmadive.com…