Merck’s Keytruda Shows Positive Results for Treating Blood Cancer

Merck’s Keytruda saw more wins last week as the firm unveiled data supporting its possible benefits across a range of blood cancers, including multiple myeloma for the first time, as well as Hodgkin lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

A PD-1 inhibitor, Keytruda (pembrolizumab) already has bagged approval for advanced melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer — and most recently breakthrough therapy designation for metastatic colorectal cancer. Even without the new potential indications, an analyst has estimated the treatment could bring in up to $5 billion for Merck in 2020.