Merck Data at ASCO 2018 to Showcase Progress and Further Optionality of Oncology Pipeline

Darmstadt, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

Not intended for UK- or US-based media

ASCO Abstract # ERBITUX® (cetuximab): 3521, 3534, e15711;
avelumab: 9507, 9537, 9090, 9008, 8563, 3057, 4544, e21531, e13603,
e18932, e21623, e21620, e21544; tepotinib (c-Met kinase inhibitor):
9082, 9016; M6620 (ATR inhibitor): 2549, e21048; M3814 (DNA-PK): 2518
M7824 (TGF-ß trap/anti-PD-L1): 3007, 9017, 2566; M2698 (dual
p70S6k/Akt inhibitor): 2584

- Two-year safety and efficacy data in mMCC for avelumab from pivotal
JAVELIN Merkel 200 trial
- Further data reinforcing commitment to precision medicine and
position of ERBITUX® (cetuximab) as a standard of care in mCRC
- Early clinical activity in advanced NSCLC and HPV-associated
cancers for investigational bifunctional immunotherapy, M7824
- Encouraging interim analysis of Phase II data in NSCLC
sub-population for c-Met inhibitor, tepotinib
- Record number of abstracts accepted across oncology,
immuno-oncology and DNA Damage Response (DDR)

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced
new data from a number of high priority clinical development programs
across its oncology portfolio to be presented at this year's American
Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (ASCO), June 1-5, 2018,
Chicago, IL. Abstracts representing seven therapeutic agents and
eight tumor types will highlight Merck's position as a key emerging
player in oncology.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151207/293543LOGO )

"This year's data at ASCO demonstrate the potential of our
pipeline to really deliver transformative advancements in cancer
care," said Luciano Rossetti, Executive Vice President, Head of
Global Research & Development at the biopharma business of Merck.
"With our strong commitment and focus on the areas we believe in
most, Merck's oncology and immuno-oncology pipeline is demonstrating
significant potential in the near term with our later-stage priority
programs and, in parallel, our early pipeline includes truly
innovative programs that could make a real difference for patients."

Data for the legacy brand ERBITUX® continue to build on Merck's
heritage in oncology reinforcing its role as a standard of care in
RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the standard of
care in first-line recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of
the head and neck (R/M SCCHN), and a standard of care for patients
with locally advanced SCCHN (LA SCCHN), who may not be able to
tolerate cisplatin-based regimens in full.

New data for avelumab* (BAVENCIO®), which is being jointly
developed and commercialized with Pfizer, include an oral
presentation on two-year results from the pivotal JAVELIN Merkel 200
trial. These long-term results include data on avelumab's duration of
response and represent the first study to report long-term survival
data for an immunotherapy in metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC).

The company will also present further evidence for M7824, an
investigational TGF-ß trap/anti-PD-L1 bi-functional immunotherapy
fusion protein, from expansion cohorts of the ongoing M7824 Phase I
clinical trial (NCT02517398) program. TGF-?, a cytokine released by
cells (including tumor cells), suppresses anti-tumor immune responses
through a vast number of mechanisms leading to uninhibited tumor
growth and metastasis. These data include results in patients with
human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers (presented in
collaboration with the National Cancer Institute) and data in
patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In
second-line (2L) NSCLC, signs of clinical activity were seen across
PD-L1 expression levels. At the recommended Phase II dose, a
confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 40.7% (11/27) was observed
in PD-L1+ patients (>=1%), and in patients with high PD-L1 expression
(80%; Ab clone 73-10 [>80%=>50% with 22C3]), the ORR was 71.4% (5/7).
These data signal the potential of M7824 and provide evidence that
combining a transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) trap with the
anti-PD-L1 mechanism in one molecule may generate anti-tumor activity
in these patient groups with significant medical need. Treatment with
M7824 was well tolerated in both studies and safety data were
consistent with that observed in the overall Phase I clinical
program. No new safety signals were identified.

For tepotinib**, an investigational highly selective small
molecule inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, new data to
be presented include promising initial results from an ongoing Phase
II VISION study providing further indication for the potential of
tepotinib in patients living with advanced NSCLC harboring MET exon
14 skipping mutations. Alterations of the c-Met signaling pathway are
found in various cancer types and correlate with aggressive tumor
behavior and poor clinical prognosis. Based on investigator
assessment of data from 15 patients in the study, 60% (9/15) had a
confirmed partial response (PR) and 20% (3/15) had stable disease
(SD). In addition, independent assessment of 13 patients demonstrated
treatment with tepotinib led to a confirmed PR in 46.2% (6/13) and SD
in 7.7% (1/13) of patients. In this study, the safety data are
consistent with that observed in previous studies and confirm that
treatment with tepotinib is well tolerated; no new safety signals
were identified.

Tepotinib is an important part of Merck's strategic focus on
precision medicines and these results reinforce the company's
progress in delivering treatments to those patients more likely to
benefit, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes. Both M7824
and tepotinib were discovered in-house at Merck.

Further pipeline updates include Phase I dose escalation data for
the investigational DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) inhibitor
M3814, Phase I triplet therapy with ATR-inhibitor, M6620
+veliparib+cisplatin in advanced solid tumors, and Phase I data for
M2698, a potent and selective dual inhibitor of p70S6K and AKT1/3 in
the PAM pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway). The PAM pathway regulates
cell survival and growth and this pathway often displays unusual
activity in many human cancers.

*Avelumab is under clinical investigation for treatment of NSCLC,
metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) and mesothelioma and has not
been demonstrated to be safe and effective for these indications.
There is no guarantee that avelumab will be approved for NSCLC, mUC
and mesothelioma by any health authority worldwide.

**Tepotinib is the recommended International Nonproprietary Name
(INN) for the c-Met kinase inhibitor (MSC2156119J). Tepotinib is
currently under clinical investigation and not approved for any use
anywhere in the world.

Tepotinib, M7824, M3814, M2698 and M6620 are under clinical
investigation and have not been proven to be safe and effective.
There is no guarantee any product will be approved in the
sought-after indication by any health authority worldwide.

Notes to Editors

Accepted Merck-supported key abstracts slated for presentation are
listed below. In addition, a number of investigator-sponsored studies
have been accepted (not listed).

Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT)
Location

Erbitux (cetuximab)

Poster Sessions

Impact of primary
tumor side on
outcomes of
every-2-weeks
(q2w) cetuximab +
first-line FOLFOX
or FOLFIRI in
patients with RAS
wild-type (wt)
metastatic
colorectal cancer
(mCRC) in the Timothy Jay Sun, Jun 03,
phase 2 APEC Price, MBBS, 8:00 AM -
11:30
trial. FRACP, D.H.Sc 3534 AM
Hall A

Final overall
survival (OS)
analysis of
first-line (1L)
FOLFOX-4 plus or
minus cetuximab
(cet) in patients
(pts) with RAS
wild-type (wt)
metastatic
colorectal cancer
(mCRC) in the Sun, Jun 03,
phase 3 TAILOR Shukui Qin, 8:00 AM -
11:30
trial. MD, BA 3521 AM
Hall A

Publication

Cost-effectiveness
(CE) of FOLFIRI
(F) + cetuximab vs
F + bevacizumab in
the first-line
treatment of RAS
wild-type (wt)
metastatic
colorectal cancer
(mCRC) in Germany: Stintzing S,
data from the van Oostrum
FIRE-3 (AIO I, Pescott
KRK-0306) study CP, et al. e15711

Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT)
Location

Avelumab

Oral Presentations

Two-year efficacy
and safety update
from JAVELIN
Merkel 200 part A:
A registrational
study of avelumab
in metastatic
Merkel cell
carcinoma Mon, Jun 04,
progressed on Paul Nghiem, 10:12 AM -
Arie Crown
chemotherapy. MD, PhD 9507 10:24 AM
Theater

Avelumab
(anti-PD-L1) in
combination with
crizotinib or
lorlatinib in
patients with
previously treated
advanced NSCLC:
Phase 1b results Fri, Jun 01,
from JAVELIN Lung Alice Tsang 4:30 PM - 4:42
101. Shaw, MD, PhD 9008 PM
Hall D1

Poster Sessions

Avelumab
(anti-PD-L1) in
patients with
platinum-treated
advanced NSCLC:
2.5-year follow-up Sun, Jun 03,
from the JAVELIN Arun Rajan, 8:00 AM -
11:30
Solid Tumor trial. MD 9090 AM
Hall A

Phase 1b study of
avelumab in
advanced
previously treated
mesothelioma:
long-term
follow-up from Sun, Jun 03,
JAVELIN Solid Raffit 8:00 AM -
11:30
Tumor. Hassan, MD 8563 AM
Hall A

Second-line
avelumab treatment
of patients (pts)
with metastatic
Merkel cell
carcinoma (mMCC):
Experience from a
global expanded John WT Mon, Jun 04,
access program Walker, MD, 1:15 PM - 4:45
(EAP). PhD 9537 PM
Hall A

Association of
efficacy and
adverse events of Karen Kelly,
special interest MD, FASCO
of avelumab in the
JAVELIN solid Mon, Jun 04,
tumor and JAVELIN 8:00 AM -
11:30
Merkel 200 trials. 3057 AM
Hall A

SPEAR-bladder
(study informing
treatment pathway
decision in
bladder cancer):
First- through
third-line time to Sat, Jun 02,
treatment failure Gurjyot K. 8:00 AM -
11:30
in the US. Doshi, MD 4544 AM
Hall A

Publication

Avelumab in
patients with
previously treated
metastatic
melanoma: phase 1b Keilholz U,
results from the Mehnert J,
JAVELIN Solid Bauer S, et
Tumor trial al. e21531

Characteristics,
treatment patterns
and safety events
from 4 cohorts of
advanced or
metastatic cancer Russo L,
patients based on Esposito D,
healthcare claims Lamy FX, et
data al. e13603

Healthcare
resource use and
expenditures among
patients with Kearney M,
Merkel cell Thokagevistk
carcinoma by level K, Boutmy E,
of comorbidity et al. e18932

Projecting
long-term survival
for avelumab in Phatak H,
patients with Proskorovsky
refractory Merkel I, Lanitis T,
cell carcinoma et al. e21623

Predicting overall
survival in
patients (Pts)
with
treatment-naive
metastatic Merkel Bullement A,
Cell carcinoma D'Angelo SP,
(mMCC) treated Amin A, et
with avelumab al. e21620

A novel,
open-access data
commons for
improved disease Murphy M,
management in Sartor O,
Merkel cell Bertagnolli
carcinoma patients M, et al. e21544

Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT)
Location

M7824 (beta-trap)

Oral Presentation

Safety and
activity of M7824,
a bifunctional
fusion protein
targeting PD-L1
and TGF-beta, in
patients with HPV Sat, Jun 02,
associated Julius 5:12 PM - 5:24
cancers. Strauss, MD 3007 PM
Hall B1

Poster Discussion

Results from a
second-line (2L)
NSCLC cohort
treated with M7824
(MSB0011359C), a
bifunctional
fusion protein Luis G. Sun, Jun 03,
targeting TGF-beta Paz-Ares, MD, 11:30 AM -
Arie Crown
and PD-L1. PhD 9017 12:45 PM
Theater

Poster Session

Selection of the
recommended phase
2 dose (RP2D) for
M7824
(MSB0011359C), a
bifunctional
fusion protein Yulia Mon, Jun 04,
targeting TGF-beta Vugmeyster, 8:00 AM -
11:30
and PD-L1. PhD 2566 AM
Hall A

Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT)
Location

Tepotinib

Poster Discussion

Tepotinib in
patients with
advanced non-small
cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) harboring
MET exon
14-skipping Sun, Jun 03,
mutations: Phase Enriqueta 11:30 AM -
Arie Crown
II trial. Felip, MD 9016 12:45 PM
Theatre

Poster Session

Can duration of
response be used
as a surrogate
endpoint for
overall survival
in advanced Sun, Jun 03,
non-small cell Boris M 8:00 AM -
11:30
lung cancer? Pfeiffer 9082 AM
Hall A

Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT)
Location

M2698

Poster Session

Precision
oncology: Results
of a phase I study
of M2698, a
p70S6K/AKT
targeted agent in
patients with
advanced cancer
and tumor Apostolia
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Maria Mon, Jun 04,
(PAM) pathway Tsimberidou, 8:00 AM -
11:30
abnormalities. MD, PhD 2584 AM
Hall A

Presentation
Date / Time
Title Lead Author Abstract # (CDT)
Location

M3814

Poster Discussion

A phase Ia/Ib
trial of the
DNA-PK inhibitor
M3814 in
combination with
radiotherapy (RT)
in patients (pts)
with advanced
solid tumors: Baukelien Van Mon, Jun 04,
Dose-escalation Triest, MD, 3:00 PM - 4:15
results. PhD 2518 PM
S406

Title Lead Author Abstract # Presentation
Date / Time
(CDT)
Location
M6620
Poster Discussion
Phase I trial of the
triplet M6620
(formerly VX970) +
veliparib + cisplatin Geraldine Mon, Jun 04,
in patients with Helen O'Sullivan 8:00 AM -
advanced solid tumors. Coyne, MD,PhD 2549 11:30 AM
Hall A

Publication
Safety and tolerability
of intravenous M6620
(VX-970) administered
with gemcitabine in Plummer R,
subjects with advanced Cook N, Mon, Jun 04,
non-small cell lung Arkenau H-T, 8:00 AM -
cancer (NSCLC) et al. e21048 11:30 AM
Hall A

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About Avelumab

Avelumab is a human anti-programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)
antibody. Avelumab has been shown in preclinical models to engage
both the adaptive and innate immune functions. By blocking the
interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 receptors, avelumab has been shown to
release the suppression of the T cell-mediated antitumor immune
response in preclinical models. Avelumab has also been shown to
induce NK cell-mediated direct tumor cell lysis via
antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro In
November 2014, Merck and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to
co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.

Approved Indications in the US

The FDA granted accelerated approval for avelumab (BAVENCIO®) for
the treatment of (i) adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older
with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) and (ii) patients with
locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) who have
disease progression during or following platinum-containing
chemotherapy, or have disease progression within 12 months of
neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing
chemotherapy. These indications are approved under accelerated
approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response.
Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon
verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory
trials.

Important Safety Information from the US FDA Approved Label

The warnings and precautions for BAVENCIO include immune-mediated
adverse reactions (such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis,
endocrinopathies, nephritis and renal dysfunction, and other adverse
reactions), infusion-related reactions and embryo-fetal toxicity.

Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in
patients treated with BAVENCIO for mMCC and patients with locally
advanced or mUC include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea,
nausea, infusion-related reaction, peripheral edema, decreased
appetite/hypophagia, urinary tract infection and rash.

About Erbitux® (cetuximab)

Erbitux® is a highly active IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the
epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). As a monoclonal antibody,
the mode of action of Erbitux is distinct from standard non-selective
chemotherapy treatments in that it specifically targets and binds to
the EGFR. This binding inhibits the activation of the receptor and
the subsequent signal-transduction pathway, which results in reducing
both the invasion of normal tissues by tumor cells and the spread of
tumors to new sites. It is also believed to inhibit the ability of
tumor cells to repair the damage caused by chemotherapy and
radiotherapy and to inhibit the formation of new blood vessels inside
tumors, which appears to lead to an overall suppression of tumor
growth. Erbitux also targets cytotoxic immune effector cells towards
EGFR expressing tumor cells (antibody dependent cell-mediated
cytotoxicity, ADCC).

The most commonly reported side effect with Erbitux is an
acne-like skin rash. In approximately 5% of patients,
hypersensitivity reactions may occur during treatment with Erbitux;
about half of these reactions are severe.

Erbitux has already obtained market authorization in over 100
countries world-wide for the treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic
colorectal cancer and for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of
the head and neck (SCCHN). Merck licensed the right to market
Erbitux, a registered trademark of ImClone LLC, outside the U.S. and
Canada from ImClone LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and
Company, in 1998.

About M3814

M3814 is an investigational small-molecule which is thought to
inhibit DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). DNA-PK is a key enzyme
for non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), an important DNA double strand
break (DSB) repair pathway. Clinical studies investigating
combinations of M3814 with other commonly used DNA-damaging agents
such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are underway.

About M7824

M7824 is an investigational bifunctional immunotherapy that is
designed to bring together a TGF-? trap and 'fuse' it with the
anti-PD-L1 mechanism. M7824 is designed to simultaneously block the
two immunosuppressive pathways - targeting both pathways aims to
control tumor growth by potentially restoring and enhancing
anti-tumor responses. M7824 is currently in Phase I studies for solid
tumors.

About M2698

M2698 is an investigational small-molecule which is thought to
inhibit p70S6K and Akt. Both targets are part of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR
(PAM)pathway, which is often dysregulated in solid tumors.

About tepotinib

Tepotinib (MSC2156119J) is an investigational small-molecule
inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase. Alterations of the
c-Met signaling pathway are found in various cancer types and it is
thought to correlate with aggressive tumor behavior and poor clinical
prognosis.

About M6620

M6620 (previously known as VX-970) is an investigational
small-molecule thought to inhibit ataxia telangiectasia and
Rad3-related protein (ATR). ATR is believed to be a key sensor for
DNA damage, activating the DNA damage checkpoint and leading to cell
cycle arrest. Inhibition of ATR could potentially enhance the
efficacy of DNA-damaging agents, but is also being investigated as a
monotherapy against tumors with high levels of replication stress
induced by overexpression of oncogenes.

About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare,
life science and performance materials. Almost 53,000 employees work
to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life - from
biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis,
cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to
liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck
generated sales of EUR 15.3 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and
chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of
the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to
the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States
and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma
and EMD Performance Materials.

Contact: Gangolf Schrimpf, +49-6151-72-9591

Investor relations: +49-6151-72-3321

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