Merck’s ADC Combo Outperforms Keytruda in Phase 3 Lung Cancer Trial

Merck reported on May 22, 2026, that a combination therapy involving Keytruda and a specialized antibody-drug conjugate has yielded positive results in a major Phase 3 study for lung cancer.

The trial focused on the pairing of Keytruda with sacituzumab tirumotecan, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) developed in China. According to reports from STAT, the combination therapy sharply outperformed the use of Keytruda alone in a specific subset of lung cancer patients.

Antibody-drug conjugates are a class of targeted therapy designed to deliver potent cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells. By combining a monoclonal antibody with a chemotherapy drug, ADCs aim to increase the precision of the treatment and reduce the systemic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.

Keytruda, a PD-1 inhibitor, serves as a cornerstone of Merck’s oncology business. The drug is used to treat various types of cancers and represents a significant portion of the company’s financial performance. in 2024, sales of Keytruda reached $29.5 billion, accounting for 46% of the company’s total revenue.

The success of sacituzumab tirumotecan when paired with Keytruda suggests that combining established immunotherapies with newer ADC technology may improve clinical outcomes for certain patient populations who may not respond as effectively to monotherapy.

Beyond the lung cancer trial, other developments in the health and biotechnology sectors were noted on May 22, 2026. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported the loss of another leader, continuing a trend of leadership changes at the agency.

Retro Biosciences, a longevity startup backed by Sam Altman, has successfully raised additional funds to support its operations.