Health
STAT+: Merck ADC drug cut risk of death by one-third in advanced endometrial cancer
Publication: STAT
Author: Adam Feuerstein
Source published: 26/10/2026, 15:30:00 UTC
Briefing created: 27/10/2026, 07:28:48 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 27/10/2026, 06:36:26 UTC.
Briefings
A randomized Phase 3 study by Merck and Kelun-Biotech showed that sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) reduced the risk of death by one-third in patients with advanced endometrial cancer. The drug is currently undergoing 18 global Phase 3 trials to support approvals in the U.S., Europe, and other regions, while Merck aims to replace revenue lost from Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028.
Key points
- A randomized Phase 3 study involving patients with advanced endometrial cancer demonstrated that sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) significantly reduced the risk of death by one-third compared to standard care.
- Merck is conducting 18 global Phase 3 trials of sac-TMT to support regulatory approvals in the U.S., Europe, and other regions, while simultaneously preparing to replace revenue from Keytruda's patent expiration in 2028.
Context
This finding comes from a randomized Phase 3 study presented Monday in Madrid, where sac-TMT showed survival-extending benefits across multiple cancer types in China. The study supports Merck's broader strategy to expand sac-TMT approvals globally, including in women's cancers, to maintain revenue streams before Keytruda's patent expires in 2028.
Limitations
The evidence is limited to the specific Phase 3 study presented in Madrid; results from the 18 ongoing global trials are not yet available. The study population was restricted to patients with advanced endometrial cancer, and the one-third reduction in death risk applies only to this specific cancer type, not all cancers.
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