MSD says subcutaneous Keytruda matches IV form

A formulation of MSD’s cancer drug Keytruda that can be given by subcutaneous injection rather than intravenous infusion has cleared a phase 3 trial, setting up approvals later this year.

The subcutaneous version of PD-1 inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab), formerly known as MK-3475A, features the addition of Alteogen’s berahyaluronidase alfa to make it possible to deliver larger volumes of drug material and improve dispersion and absorption.

The 3475A-D77 trial, which was presented at the European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC), showed that the subcutaneous formulation given as a two-minute…