Merck to Launch Subcutaneous Keytruda: Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment

Merck plans to launch a subcutaneous version of its cancer immunotherapy drug Keytruda in the U.S. by October 1, pending FDA approval expected on September 23. This version will cut down administration time significantly. Merck aims for a wide market adoption, despite potential patent challenges from Halozyme Therapeutics.

Merck & Co. announced on Thursday its plans to introduce a subcutaneously injected version of Keytruda, its blockbuster cancer immunotherapy, in the U.S. starting October 1. The launch, however, is contingent upon the Food and Drug Administration's approval expected by September 23.

The new method, which involves injecting the drug under the skin rather than administering it intravenously, promises to reduce patient treatment time from 30 minutes to just two. This expedited process is expected to see peak adoption among 30% to 40% of Keytruda patients, according to Joanne Monahan, a senior VP in Merck's oncology division.

Merck anticipates the highest early uptake among patients using monotherapy and those with early-stage cancers. Further, while a patent dispute looms with Halozyme Therapeutics over a component of the new formulation, the company insists this will not affect the timely release of the new drug.

(With inputs from agencies.)