BioNTech's mRNA cancer therapy misses first goal in head and neck trial
BNTX•BioNTech said its experimental mRNA therapy BNT113, combined with Merck's Keytruda, did not significantly improve progression-free survival in a mid-to-late-stage trial for patients with advanced HPV16-related head and neck cancer. The trial will continue to assess overall survival.
1. Trial misses first goal
The combination of BNT113 and Keytruda did not show a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival compared with Keytruda alone in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma linked to HPV16.
2. Overall survival assessment
BioNTech said the trial would continue, as recommended by an independent data monitoring committee, to evaluate overall survival. Citi analyst Geoffrey Meacham said a statistically significant overall survival benefit would establish a positive trial outcome despite the progression-free survival miss.
