Merck R&D chief says company has outpaced rivals with its sac-TMT cancer platform

Dean Li, the head of Merck Research Laboratories, said the company believes its sac-TMT cancer program gives it a competitive edge over other firms developing next-generation oncology therapies.

The platform is designed to address a wide array of cancer indications, extending the potential of antibody-drug conjugates across multiple tumor types.

Li made the comments in an interview published on Oct. 29, 2026, highlighting Merck’s strategic positioning rather than presenting new trial results.