Merck briefly lists, then removes, phase 2 trial of PD-1xVEGF bispecific with TROP2 ADC

Merck & Co. posted a clinical trial listing for a phase‑2 study combining its PD‑1xVEGF bispecific antibody (MK‑2010) with the TROP2‑directed antibody‑drug conjugate sac‑TMT.

The listing, shown as “Study in start‑up” with sites in St. Gallen and Bellinzona, Switzerland, was later removed from Merck’s website along with other entries for MK‑2010, including a monotherapy trial.

Merck did not respond to inquiries about the deletion. The brief appearance of the trial entry was first reported by data aggregator PharmCube and highlighted the competitive landscape of PD‑(L)1xVEGF bispecific programs, which also involve companies such as Summit Therapeutics, Akeso, Bristol Myers Squibb, BioNTech, Pfizer and 3SBio.

The removal underscores the secrecy surrounding Merck’s development strategy in this crowded class, leaving investors and analysts without clear guidance on the next steps for the MK‑2010 program.