KEYTRUDA Plus Welireg Cuts Early-Stage RCC Recurrence 28%, LENVIMA Combo Lowers Progression 30%
Merck’s KEYTRUDA plus Welireg cut recurrence-or-death risk by 28% versus KEYTRUDA monotherapy in earlier-stage RCC, while Welireg plus LENVIMA lowered progression-or-death risk by 30% versus cabozantinib in previously treated advanced RCC. American Century lifted its MRK stake 20.9% to 4.56 million shares; Banco Santander cut to 155 068 shares.
1. Adjuvant KEYTRUDA and Welireg Results
In patients with resected earlier-stage renal cell carcinoma, adding Welireg (belzutifan) to KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) as adjuvant therapy reduced the risk of disease recurrence or death by 28% compared to KEYTRUDA alone, marking a significant efficacy improvement in the post-surgical setting.
2. Welireg and LENVIMA Combo in Advanced RCC
In previously treated advanced RCC patients, the oral HIF-2α inhibitor Welireg combined with LENVIMA (lenvatinib) achieved a 30% reduction in risk of disease progression or death versus cabozantinib, suggesting a new potential second-line treatment option for this population.
3. Institutional Stake Changes
American Century Companies increased its Merck stake by 20.9% during the third quarter, acquiring an additional 787 181 shares to hold 4 559 640 shares in total, while Banco Santander trimmed its position by 58.3%, exiting 216 463 shares to retain 155 068 shares.