Genmab shares jump as petosemtamab plus Keytruda halves death risk in head-neck cancer trial

Genmab reported that a late-stage study of its experimental antibody petosemtamab combined with Keytruda cut the risk of death by about 50 percent compared with Keytruda alone in patients with PD‑L1‑positive head‑neck squamous cell carcinoma.

The dual primary endpoints of response rate and overall survival were both met, marking the third consecutive positive late‑stage readout for the Danish company in recent weeks. The news sent Genmab stock to a record high, adding more than $7 billion to its market value and pushing the company’s worth above $35 billion.

Analysts see the result as a potential new standard of care for this cancer type and a key growth driver as Genmab prepares for the upcoming patent expiry of its multiple myeloma drug Darzalex. Detailed data will be submitted to global regulators and presented at an upcoming medical conference, setting the stage for possible future approval.