Merck-Kelun ADC sac-TMT shows progression-free survival benefit with Keytruda in late-stage NSCLC trial

Kelun-Biotech announced that its antibody‑drug conjugate sac‑TMT, developed with Merck, achieved positive Phase 3 results when paired with Keytruda in a non‑small cell lung cancer trial.

The data provide the first direct proof‑of‑concept that an ADC can replace platinum‑based chemotherapy in a first‑line standard‑of‑care regimen for NSCLC, building on the drug’s earlier success in a Phase 3 endometrial cancer study.

At a pre‑specified analysis, the combination met the primary endpoint by meaningfully extending progression‑free survival and showed a favorable trend in overall survival compared with Keytruda plus chemotherapy alone.

Analysts highlighted the trial’s strong clinical momentum and suggested the candidate could become a workhorse therapy, while Kelun plans to discuss the results with regulators and partners.