First-Time Data for MK-6482 Reinforce Innovative Science in Merck’s Expansive and Diverse Oncology Pipeline
KENILWORTH, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–$MRK #MRK–Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced first-time results from a Phase 2 trial evaluating the hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor MK-6482, a novel investigational candidate in Merck’s oncology pipeline, for the treatment of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). In the trial, MK-6482 demonstrated durable responses with a confirmed objective response rate (ORR) of 27.9% (n=17/61) (95% CI: 17.1-40.8), and the median duration of response (DOR) was not yet reached (range: 9.1-39.0 weeks).
“Nobel Prize-winning research led to the discovery of HIF-2α and its role in cancer. MK-6482 was developed based on this science and with these data, we are seeing the potential of targeting HIF-2α in these patients who are in need of new options,” said Dr. Scot Ebbinghaus, vice president, clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories. “These findings validate Merck’s long-term strategy for building the company’s oncology pipeline, including through the acquisition and accelerated development of novel therapeutic candidates such as MK-6482.”
“Von Hippel-Lindau disease is a rare hereditary condition affecting multiple organs, which puts patients at risk for several cancers, including renal cell carcinoma. Cancer remains one of the main causes of death for people with von Hippel-Lindau disease, and new treatment options are essential,” said Dr. Eric Jonasch, professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “The results of this study provide evidence of the potential benefit of MK-6482 and support further investigation into how this HIF-2α inhibitor could play a meaningful role for these patients, for whom there are currently no approved systemic therapy options available.”