Merck Inks Deal with Syndax for Cancer Combo Therapy - Analyst Blog
Merck & Co. Inc. MRK and Syndax Pharmaceuticals announced that that they have entered into a collaboration under which they will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination of Syndax’s epigenetic therapy candidate, entinostat, and Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda.
The companies will conduct a phase Ib/II study, which will evaluate this combination in patients suffering from either advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or melanoma. Patient enrolment in this study is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2015.
The companies did not provide financial details. However, the deal includes a provision where both companies may extend the collaboration to include a phase III study.
Meanwhile, cancer immunotherapy has been in the spotlight for quite some time now. Several companies are looking to bring immuno-oncology drugs to market. Some of the candidates currently under development include elotuzumab (multiple myeloma) and Prostvac (asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer). On the other hand, approved drugs in this segment include Bristol-Myers Squibb’s BMY Opdivo for the treatment of adults suffering from metastatic melanoma and metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
We are positive on Merck’s efforts to expand its pipeline through deals and acquisitions. Last month, the company entered into a similar collaboration with Eisai Co., Ltd. ESALY to evaluate the combination of Keytruda with Eisai’s oncology compounds, including Lenvima (a multi-targeting RTK inhibitor) and Halaven (a microtubule dynamics inhibitor) in multiple types of cancer.
We also note that, earlier this year, Merck strengthened its antibiotics portfolio by acquiring Cubist Pharmaceuticals and last year, Merck acquired Idenix Pharmaceuticals and OncoEthix, thereby strengthening its hepatitis pipeline and oncology pipeline, respectively.
Merck carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A better-ranked stock in the health care sector is Lannett Company, Inc. LCI, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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