EMD Serono highlights new cancer therapy data at ASCO 2025

Published 22/05/2025, 22:46
EMD Serono highlights new cancer therapy data at ASCO 2025

BOSTON - EMD Serono, the healthcare arm of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the U.S. and Canada, showcased new oncology data at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting held from May 31 to June 4 in Chicago. The company, with a market capitalization of $56 billion and annual revenue exceeding $23 billion, maintains its position as a prominent player in the pharmaceutical industry, according to InvestingPro data. The data presented spanned over 12 tumor types, including promising results from the Phase 3 MANEUVER trial for pimicotinib, a treatment for tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT), and findings supporting the continued development of the anti-CEACAM5 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) precemtabart tocentecan in colorectal cancer (CRC).

The Phase 3 MANEUVER study data, presented on June 1, revealed that pimicotinib significantly improved objective response rates and key secondary endpoints in patients with TGCT. Pimicotinib, developed by Abbisko Therapeutics and licensed to Merck KGaA for global commercialization, was also well-tolerated by patients.

Further development of precemtabart tocentecan was supported by Phase 1 PROCEADE-CRC 01 study results, which demonstrated encouraging efficacy and a manageable safety profile in metastatic CRC patients who were refractory to irinotecan. The recommended dose of 2.8 mg/kg every three weeks was selected for further investigation in CRC and other solid tumors.

Additionally, interim results from the Phase 2 JAVELIN Bladder Medley trial were shared, highlighting the efficacy of BAVENCIO in combination with sacituzumab govitecan for advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) patients. The combination therapy significantly improved progression-free survival compared to BAVENCIO alone.

EMD Serono emphasized its commitment to advancing innovative cancer treatments, aiming to transform more cancer patients into survivors. The company’s research efforts focus on creating differentiated molecules to target the vulnerabilities of cancer, striving to meet the needs of patients with challenging cancer types. With a robust gross profit margin of 59% and an "GOOD" financial health rating from InvestingPro, the company demonstrates strong operational efficiency and financial stability. Currently trading near its 52-week low, the stock presents an interesting opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the healthcare sector. For detailed analysis and additional insights, including 8 more exclusive ProTips, consider accessing InvestingPro.

This report is based on a press release statement and does not endorse the claims made by EMD Serono. The safety and efficacy of the drugs mentioned are subject to the approval of relevant regulatory bodies. The company has maintained dividend payments for 30 consecutive years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to shareholder returns.

In other recent news, EMD Serono, the Healthcare business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced positive results from their Phase 2 WILLOW study for enpatoran, an investigational oral therapy for lupus. The study showed a clinically meaningful improvement in disease activity for patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have active lupus rash. The primary endpoint of the study, focusing on patients with CLE or SLE with lupus rash, was met at Week 16, demonstrating a dose-response relationship and significant improvement in disease severity scores. By Week 24, up to 91.3% of patients receiving enpatoran achieved a CLASI-50 response, indicating a 50% or greater improvement from baseline, and up to 60.9% achieved a CLASI-70 response, a 70% or greater improvement. These results were notably higher than those in the placebo group. Enpatoran was reported to be well-tolerated with a manageable safety profile, consistent with previous studies. The company is now in discussions for a global Phase 3 program for enpatoran with health authorities.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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