Elevar Therapeutics Receives FDA Complete Response Letter for Combination of Rivoceranib and Camrelizumab as a First-line Treatment for Unresectable or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

On July 10, 2026 Elevar Therapeutics, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of HLB Co., Ltd. and a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company dedicated to elevating treatment experiences and outcomes for cancer patients, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a complete response letter (CRL) regarding its new drug application (NDA) for the combination of rivoceranib, an oral TKI, and camrelizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, as a first-line systemic treatment option for unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

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The FDA’s decision was related to deficiencies identified during a cGMP inspection of a manufacturing site listed on the Rivoceranib NDA.

"The Company is reviewing the contents of the letter and intends to work closely with the FDA to determine the appropriate path forward. While we are disappointed by this outcome, we remain committed to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to advancing the development of rivoceranib and camrelizumab," said Dong-Gun Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Elevar Therapeutics. "We will engage with the FDA promptly to fully understand the agency’s feedback and determine the most effective path forward. Importantly, we continue to believe in the strength of the clinical data supporting this combination and remain committed to pursuing opportunities that may bring this treatment option to patients in need."

The Company noted that the FDA has previously acknowledged substantial clinical data supporting the application. The NDA was based on the global Phase 3 CARES-310 study, in which the camrelizumab plus rivoceranib combination therapy achieved a median overall survival of 23.8 months in patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC, representing the longest overall survival reported to date among first-line treatments for HCC. Consistent efficacy was observed across multiple patient subgroups, with a manageable safety profile. In December 2025, the final analysis was published in The Lancet Oncology, a leading international medical journal. In addition, prior to regulatory approval, the combination regimen was included as a first-line treatment option for HCC in the 2025 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer treatment strategy and European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines, formally recognizing its clinical value.

For more information about the combination of camrelizumab and rivoceranib, visit ElevarTX.com.

About Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and most frequently develops in people with chronic underlying liver inflammation, which may be from viral and non-viral causes. HCC typically has a poor prognosis with limited treatment options and continues to be a diagnosis with an ongoing urgent medical need. More than 800,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer each year and it is also a leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for more than 700,000 annually, according to the American Cancer Society.

About Rivoceranib

Rivoceranib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is a highly potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), a primary pathway for tumor angiogenesis. VEGFR inhibition is a clinically validated target to limit tumor growth and disease progression. Rivoceranib is currently being studied as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in various solid tumor indications. The drug has been studied in more than 6,000 patients worldwide and was well tolerated in clinical trials with a comparable safety profile to other TKIs and VEGF inhibitors. Orphan drug designations have been granted in gastric cancer (U.S., EU and South Korea), in adenoid cystic carcinoma (U.S.) and in HCC (U.S. and EU). Elevar Therapeutics, Inc. holds the global rights (excluding China) to rivoceranib and has partnered for its development and marketing with HLB Life Science Co., Ltd. in South Korea. Rivoceranib was the first TKI approved in gastric cancer in China (November 2014). It is also approved in China in combination with camrelizumab as a first-line treatment for uHCC (January 2023) by the Chinese-territory license-holder, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd. (Hengrui Pharma), under the brand name Aitan.

About Camrelizumab

Camrelizumab (SHR-1210) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is a therapeutic strategy showing success in a wide variety of solid and hematological cancers. Camrelizumab is developed by Hengrui Pharma and has been studied in more than 5,000 patients. Currently, 50 clinical trials are underway in a broad range of tumors (including liver cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer, etc.) and treatment settings. Camrelizumab, under the brand name AiRuiKa, is currently approved for eight indications in China, including monotherapy for the treatment of HCC (second-line), in combination with rivoceranib as a treatment for HCC (first-line), relapsed/refractory classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (third-line), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (second-line) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (third-line or further) and in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (non-squamous and squamous), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the first-line setting. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Orphan Drug Designation to camrelizumab for advanced HCC in April 2021 and by the EMA in August 2024. In October 2023, Elevar licensed camrelizumab for commercialization from Hengrui Pharma worldwide excluding Greater China and Korea.

(Press release, Elevar Therapeutics, JUL 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234669145])

Elevar Therapeutics Receives FDA Complete Response Letter for Combination of Rivoceranib and Camrelizumab as a First-line Treatment for Unresectable or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma

On July 10, 2026 Elevar Therapeutics, Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of HLB Co., Ltd. and a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company dedicated to elevating treatment experiences and outcomes for cancer patients, reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a complete response letter (CRL) regarding its new drug application (NDA) for the combination of rivoceranib, an oral TKI, and camrelizumab, an anti-PD-1 antibody, as a first-line systemic treatment option for unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

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The FDA’s decision was related to deficiencies identified during a cGMP inspection of a manufacturing site listed on the Rivoceranib NDA.

"The Company is reviewing the contents of the letter and intends to work closely with the FDA to determine the appropriate path forward. While we are disappointed by this outcome, we remain committed to patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and to advancing the development of rivoceranib and camrelizumab," said Dong-Gun Kim, Chief Executive Officer of Elevar Therapeutics. "We will engage with the FDA promptly to fully understand the agency’s feedback and determine the most effective path forward. Importantly, we continue to believe in the strength of the clinical data supporting this combination and remain committed to pursuing opportunities that may bring this treatment option to patients in need."

The Company noted that the FDA has previously acknowledged substantial clinical data supporting the application. The NDA was based on the global Phase 3 CARES-310 study, in which the camrelizumab plus rivoceranib combination therapy achieved a median overall survival of 23.8 months in patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC, representing the longest overall survival reported to date among first-line treatments for HCC. Consistent efficacy was observed across multiple patient subgroups, with a manageable safety profile. In December 2025, the final analysis was published in The Lancet Oncology, a leading international medical journal. In addition, prior to regulatory approval, the combination regimen was included as a first-line treatment option for HCC in the 2025 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer treatment strategy and European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines, formally recognizing its clinical value.

For more information about the combination of camrelizumab and rivoceranib, visit ElevarTX.com.

About Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer and most frequently develops in people with chronic underlying liver inflammation, which may be from viral and non-viral causes. HCC typically has a poor prognosis with limited treatment options and continues to be a diagnosis with an ongoing urgent medical need. More than 800,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with liver cancer each year and it is also a leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for more than 700,000 annually, according to the American Cancer Society.

About Rivoceranib

Rivoceranib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is a highly potent inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), a primary pathway for tumor angiogenesis. VEGFR inhibition is a clinically validated target to limit tumor growth and disease progression. Rivoceranib is currently being studied as monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in various solid tumor indications. The drug has been studied in more than 6,000 patients worldwide and was well tolerated in clinical trials with a comparable safety profile to other TKIs and VEGF inhibitors. Orphan drug designations have been granted in gastric cancer (U.S., EU and South Korea), in adenoid cystic carcinoma (U.S.) and in HCC (U.S. and EU). Elevar Therapeutics, Inc. holds the global rights (excluding China) to rivoceranib and has partnered for its development and marketing with HLB Life Science Co., Ltd. in South Korea. Rivoceranib was the first TKI approved in gastric cancer in China (November 2014). It is also approved in China in combination with camrelizumab as a first-line treatment for uHCC (January 2023) by the Chinese-territory license-holder, Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd. (Hengrui Pharma), under the brand name Aitan.

About Camrelizumab

Camrelizumab (SHR-1210) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. Blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway is a therapeutic strategy showing success in a wide variety of solid and hematological cancers. Camrelizumab is developed by Hengrui Pharma and has been studied in more than 5,000 patients. Currently, 50 clinical trials are underway in a broad range of tumors (including liver cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer, etc.) and treatment settings. Camrelizumab, under the brand name AiRuiKa, is currently approved for eight indications in China, including monotherapy for the treatment of HCC (second-line), in combination with rivoceranib as a treatment for HCC (first-line), relapsed/refractory classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma (third-line), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (second-line) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (third-line or further) and in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (non-squamous and squamous), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the first-line setting. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted Orphan Drug Designation to camrelizumab for advanced HCC in April 2021 and by the EMA in August 2024. In October 2023, Elevar licensed camrelizumab for commercialization from Hengrui Pharma worldwide excluding Greater China and Korea.

(Press release, Elevar Therapeutics, JUL 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234669145])

U.S. FDA Approves PADCEV® plus Keytruda® as Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Regardless of Cisplatin Eligibility

On July 10, 2026 Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and Astellas Pharma Inc. (TSE: 4503, President and CEO: Naoki Okamura, "Astellas") reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv), a Nectin-4 directed antibody-drug conjugate, plus the PD-1 inhibitor, Keytruda (pembrolizumab) or Keytruda QLEX (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph) as neoadjuvant and adjuvant (before and after surgery) treatment for adult patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer regardless of cisplatin eligibilityi. This now marks the first platinum-free regimen approved for adult patients with MIBC, regardless of cisplatin eligibility.

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The approval was based on results from the pivotal Phase 3 EV-304 clinical trial (also known as KEYNOTE-B15), which were presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (Free ASCO Whitepaper) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium (ASCO GU). This expanded indication builds on the November 2025 U.S. FDA approval of the combination for use as neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment in cisplatin-ineligible adult patients with MIBC, based on results from the EV-303 Phase 3 clinical trial (also known as KEYNOTE-905) that were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Christopher Hoimes, DO, Director of the Bladder Cancer Program and Center for Cancer Immunotherapy at Duke Cancer Institute, and an EV-304 Principal Investigator
"For muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a comprehensive treatment approach is important; the neoadjuvant phase can help shrink the tumor and target undetectable cancer cells early before surgery, while the adjuvant phase can be critical in eliminating residual, undetectable cancer cells following surgery. These data from EV-304 and this approval show that by delivering this regimen across both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant phases, without platinum-based chemotherapy, we can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and improve overall survival — offering a potential new standard of care for adult patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer."

Aamir Malik, Executive Vice President, Chief U.S. Commercial Officer, Pfizer
"Today’s approval marks a historic turning point for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer, providing adult patients with the first approved platinum-free combination regimen shown to significantly improve survival over the current standard of care – regardless of cisplatin-eligibility. PADCEV plus pembrolizumab has established itself as the standard of care for first line therapy of advanced stages of bladder cancer, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide this community a much-needed new treatment option in an earlier, potentially curative-intent setting."

Moitreyee Chatterjee-Kishore, PhD, MBA, Head of Oncology Development, Astellas
"The approval of neoadjuvant and adjuvant PADCEV plus pembrolizumab expands the established impact of this combination and represents a critical leap forward in how muscle-invasive bladder cancer can be treated. By delivering a clinically meaningful survival benefit, with profound event-free survival and pathological complete response rates, this regimen is the first platinum-free treatment option in nearly 25 years to outperform standard of care chemotherapy, offering new hope to patients living with this disease."

In the EV-304 clinical trial, patients were randomized to receive surgery with neoadjuvant and adjuvant PADCEV plus pembrolizumab or surgery with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. PADCEV plus pembrolizumab was administered as a planned total of 9 cycles of PADCEV and 17 cycles of pembrolizumab split before and after surgery.ii PADCEV plus pembrolizumab demonstrated:

A 47% reduction in the risk of tumor recurrence, progression or death compared to patients treated with standard of care neoadjuvant gemcitabine and cisplatin (Hazard Ratio (HR) of 0.53; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), 0.41–0.70; 1-sided p<0.0001).ii
An estimated 79.4% of patients were event-free at two years, compared with 66.2% treated with standard of care.ii
A 35% reduction in the risk of death compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR of 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48-0.89; 1-sided p=0.0029).ii
A pathological complete response (pCR) rate of 55.8% compared with 32.5% with chemotherapy at the time of surgery (estimated difference 23.4%; 95% CI 16.7-29.8; 1-sided p<0.0001).ii
A safety profile consistent with prior experience with this combination, and no new identifiable safety signals. Grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) due to any cause occurred in 75.7% of patients treated with neoadjuvant and adjuvant PADCEV plus pembrolizumab compared to 67.2% of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.ii
Please see Important Safety Information at the end of this press release, including BOXED WARNING for PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv).

+++

About the EV-304/KEYNOTE-B15 Trial
The EV-304 trial is an ongoing, open-label, randomized, controlled, Phase 3 study evaluating neoadjuvant and adjuvant enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) in patients with MIBC who are eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Patients were randomized to receive either neoadjuvant and adjuvant (before and after surgery) enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab (arm A) or neoadjuvant gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy (arm B). Curative-intent surgery (cystectomy) was performed in both arms. Enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab was administered as a planned total of 9 cycles of enfortumab vedotin and 17 cycles of pembrolizumab split before and after surgery.ii

The primary endpoint of this trial is EFS, defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of any of the following events: progression of disease that precludes radical cystectomy (RC) or failure to undergo RC in participants with residual disease, gross residual disease left behind at the time of surgery, local or distant recurrence based on blinded independent central review (BICR) or death due to any cause. Key secondary endpoints include OS and pCR rate.iii

For more information on the global EV-304 trial, go to clinicaltrials.gov.

About Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is the ninth most common cancer worldwide, diagnosed in more than 614,000 people each year globally, including an estimated 85,000 people in the U.S.iii,iv MIBC represents approximately 30% of all bladder cancer cases.v The standard treatment for patients with MIBC is neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgery.vi Even after undergoing surgery to have their bladder removed, approximately half of patients with MIBC experience disease recurrence.vii

About PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv)
PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) is a first-in-class antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that is directed against Nectin-4, a protein located on the surface of cells and highly expressed in bladder cancer.viii Nonclinical data suggest the anticancer activity of PADCEV is due to its binding to Nectin-4-expressing cells, followed by the internalization and release of the anti-tumor agent monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) into the cell, which result in the cell not reproducing (cell cycle arrest) and in programmed cell death (apoptosis).i

PADCEV plus pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph is approved for the treatment of adult patients with MIBC in the United States and for cisplatin-ineligible patients with MIBC in the European Union.

PADCEV plus pembrolizumab is also approved for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC) in the United States, the European Union, Japan and a number of other countries around the world. PADCEV is also approved as a single agent for the treatment of adult patients with la/mUC who have previously received a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and platinum-containing chemotherapy or are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and have previously received one or more prior lines of therapy.i

PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) U.S. Indication & Important Safety Information

BOXED WARNING: SERIOUS SKIN REACTIONS

PADCEV (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) can cause severe and fatal cutaneous adverse reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), which occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment, but may occur later.
Closely monitor patients for skin reactions.
Immediately withhold PADCEV and consider referral for specialized care for suspected SJS or TEN or severe skin reactions.
Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN; or Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions.
INDICATIONS

PADCEV, in combination with pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph, as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

PADCEV, in combination with pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer (la/mUC).

PADCEV, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with la/mUC who:

have previously received a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitor and platinum-containing chemotherapy, or
are ineligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy and have previously received one or more prior lines of therapy.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Skin reactions Severe cutaneous adverse reactions, including fatal cases of SJS or TEN occurred in patients treated with PADCEV. SJS and TEN occurred predominantly during the first cycle of treatment but may occur later.

Skin reactions occurred in 65% (all grades) of the 570 patients treated with PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of MIBC in clinical trials. The majority of the skin reactions that occurred with combination therapy included rash and maculo-papular rash. Grade 3-4 skin reactions occurred in 13% of patients (Grade 3: 12%, Grade 4: 1.1%), including maculo-papular rash, rash, SJS, dermatitis, exfoliative generalized dermatitis, toxic skin eruption, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, bullous dermatitis, erythema, macular rash, and pruritic rash. A fatal reaction of TEN occurred in one patient (0.2%). The median time to onset of severe skin reactions was 0.6 months (range: 0.1 to 24 months). Skin reactions led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 8% of patients. Of the patients who experienced a skin reaction and had data regarding resolution (n=367), 87% had complete resolution and 13% had residual skin reactions at their last evaluation. Of the patients with residual skin reactions at last evaluation, 31% (15/49) had Grade ≥2 skin reactions.

Skin reactions occurred in 70% (all grades) of the 564 patients treated with PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of la/mUC in clinical trials. The majority of skin reactions that occurred included maculo-papular rash, macular rash, and papular rash. Grade 3-4 skin reactions occurred in 17% of patients (Grade 3: 16%, Grade 4: 1%), including maculo-papular rash, bullous dermatitis, dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, pemphigoid, rash, erythematous rash, macular rash, and papular rash. A fatal reaction of bullous dermatitis occurred in one patient (0.2%). The median time to onset of severe skin reactions was 1.7 months (range: 0.1 to 17.2 months). Skin reactions led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 6% of patients. Of the patients who experienced a skin reaction and had data regarding resolution (n=391), 59% had complete resolution and 41% had residual skin reactions at their last evaluation. Of the patients with residual skin reactions at last evaluation, 27% (43/159) had Grade ≥2 skin reactions.

Skin reactions occurred in 58% (all grades) of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials. Twenty-three percent (23%) of patients had maculo-papular rash and 34% had pruritus. Grade 3-4 skin reactions occurred in 14% of patients, including maculo-papular rash, erythematous rash, rash or drug eruption, symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), bullous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia. The median time to onset of severe skin reactions was 0.6 months (range: 0.1 to 8 months). Among patients experiencing a skin reaction leading to dose interruption who then restarted PADCEV (n=75), 24% of patients restarting at the same dose and 24% of patients restarting at a reduced dose experienced recurrent severe skin reactions. Skin reactions led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 3.1% of patients. Of the patients who experienced a skin reaction and had data regarding resolution (n=328), 58% had complete resolution and 42% had residual skin reactions at their last evaluation. Of the patients with residual skin reactions at last evaluation, 39% (53/137) had Grade ≥2 skin reactions.

Monitor patients closely throughout treatment for skin reactions. Consider topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, as clinically indicated. For persistent or recurrent Grade 2 skin reactions, consider withholding PADCEV until Grade ≤1. Withhold PADCEV and refer for specialized care for suspected SJS, TEN or for Grade 3 skin reactions. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients with confirmed SJS or TEN; or Grade 4 or recurrent Grade 3 skin reactions.

Hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), including fatal events, occurred in patients with and without preexisting diabetes mellitus, treated with PADCEV. Patients with baseline hemoglobin A1C ≥8% were excluded from clinical trials. In clinical trials of PADCEV as a single agent, 17% of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV developed hyperglycemia of any grade; 7% of patients developed Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia (Grade 3: 6.5%, Grade 4: 0.6%). Fatal events of hyperglycemia and DKA occurred in one patient each (0.1%). The incidence of Grade 3-4 hyperglycemia increased consistently in patients with higher body mass index and in patients with higher baseline A1C. The median time to onset of hyperglycemia was 0.5 months (range: 0 to 20 months). Hyperglycemia led to discontinuation of PADCEV in 0.7% of patients. Five percent (5%) of patients required initiation of insulin therapy for treatment of hyperglycemia. Of the patients who initiated insulin therapy for treatment of hyperglycemia, 66% (23/35) discontinued insulin by the time of last evaluation. Closely monitor blood glucose levels in patients with, or at risk for, diabetes mellitus or hyperglycemia. If blood glucose is elevated (>250 mg/dL), withhold PADCEV.

Pneumonitis/Interstitial lung disease (ILD) Severe, life-threatening or fatal pneumonitis/ILD occurred in patients treated with PADCEV.

When PADCEV was given in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of MIBC, 7% of the 570 patients treated with combination therapy had pneumonitis/ILD of any grade and 1.8% had Grade 3-4. The median time to onset of any grade pneumonitis/ILD was 3.2 months (range: 0.7 to 13 months).

When PADCEV was given in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of la/mUC, 10% of the 564 patients had pneumonitis/ILD of any grade and 4% had Grade 3-4. A fatal event of pneumonitis/ILD occurred in 2 patients (0.4%). The median time to onset of any grade pneumonitis/ILD was 4 months (range: 0.3 to 26 months).

In clinical trials of PADCEV as a single agent, 3% of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV had pneumonitis/ILD of any grade and 0.8% had Grade 3-4. The median time to onset of any grade pneumonitis/ILD was 2.9 months (range: 0.6 to 6 months).

Monitor patients for signs and symptoms indicative of pneumonitis/ILD such as hypoxia, cough, dyspnea or interstitial infiltrates on radiologic exams. Evaluate and exclude infectious, neoplastic and other causes for such signs and symptoms through appropriate investigations. Withhold PADCEV for patients who develop Grade 2 pneumonitis/ILD and consider dose reduction. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in all patients with Grade 3 or 4 pneumonitis/ILD.

Peripheral neuropathy (PN) When PADCEV was given in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of MIBC, 42% of the 570 patients treated with combination therapy had PN of any grade, 14% had Grade 2 neuropathy, and 3% had Grade 3 neuropathy. The median time to onset of Grade ≥2 PN was 4.9 months (range: 0.2 to 23 months). Of the patients who experienced neuropathy and had data regarding resolution (n=239), 41% had complete resolution, and 59% of patients had residual neuropathy at last evaluation. Of the patients with residual neuropathy at last evaluation, 30% (42/142) had Grade ≥2 neuropathy.

When PADCEV was given in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of la/mUC, 67% of the 564 patients had PN of any grade, 36% had Grade 2 neuropathy, and 7% had Grade 3 neuropathy. The median time to onset of Grade ≥2 PN was 6 months (range: 0.3 to 25 months). Of the patients who experienced neuropathy and had data regarding resolution (n=373), 13% had complete resolution, and 87% of patients had residual neuropathy at last evaluation. Of the patients with residual neuropathy at last evaluation, 45% (146/326) had Grade ≥2 neuropathy.

PN occurred in 53% of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials including 38% with sensory neuropathy, 8% with muscular weakness, and 7% with motor neuropathy. Thirty percent of patients experienced Grade 2 reactions and 5% experienced Grade 3-4 reactions. PN occurred in patients treated with PADCEV with or without preexisting PN. The median time to onset of Grade ≥2 PN was 4.9 months (range: 0.1 to 20 months). Neuropathy led to treatment discontinuation in 6% of patients. Of the patients who experienced neuropathy who had data regarding resolution (n=296), 11% had complete resolution, and 89% had residual neuropathy at the time of their last evaluation. Of the patients with residual neuropathy at last evaluation, 50% (132/262) had Grade ≥2 neuropathy.

Monitor patients for symptoms of new or worsening PN and consider dose interruption or dose reduction of PADCEV when PN occurs. Permanently discontinue PADCEV in patients who develop Grade ≥3 PN.

Ocular disorders were reported in 40% of the 384 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials in which ophthalmologic exams were scheduled. The majority of these events involved the cornea and included events associated with dry eye such as keratitis, blurred vision, increased lacrimation, conjunctivitis, limbal stem cell deficiency, and keratopathy. Dry eye symptoms occurred in 30% of patients, and blurred vision occurred in 10% of patients, during treatment with PADCEV. The median time to onset to symptomatic ocular disorder was 1.7 months (range: 0 to 30.6 months). Monitor patients for ocular disorders. Consider artificial tears for prophylaxis of dry eyes and ophthalmologic evaluation if ocular symptoms occur or do not resolve. Consider treatment with ophthalmic topical steroids, if indicated after an ophthalmic exam. Consider dose interruption or dose reduction of PADCEV for symptomatic ocular disorders.

Infusion site extravasation Skin and soft tissue reactions secondary to extravasation have been observed after administration of PADCEV. Of the 720 patients treated with PADCEV as a single agent in clinical trials, 1% of patients experienced skin and soft tissue reactions, including 0.3% who experienced Grade 3-4 reactions. Reactions may be delayed. Erythema, swelling, increased temperature, and pain worsened until 2-7 days after extravasation and resolved within 1-4 weeks of peak. Two patients (0.3%) developed extravasation reactions with secondary cellulitis, bullae, or exfoliation. Ensure adequate venous access prior to starting PADCEV and monitor for possible extravasation during administration. If extravasation occurs, stop the infusion and monitor for adverse reactions.

Embryo-fetal toxicity PADCEV can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during PADCEV treatment and for 2 months after the last dose. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with PADCEV and for 4 months after the last dose.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

Most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities (≥20%):

PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of MIBC: decreased hemoglobin, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), rash, increased creatinine, decreased lymphocytes, fatigue, pruritus, decreased sodium, PN, increased potassium, diarrhea, alopecia, dysgeusia, decreased appetite, nausea, constipation, urinary tract infection (UTI), dry eye, increased glucose, decreased weight, decreased potassium, hyperglycemia, decreased phosphate, and decreased neutrophils.
PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab for the treatment of la/mUC: increased AST, increased creatinine, rash, increased glucose, PN, increased lipase, decreased lymphocytes, increased ALT, decreased hemoglobin, fatigue, decreased sodium, decreased phosphate, decreased albumin, pruritus, diarrhea, alopecia, decreased weight, decreased appetite, increased urate, decreased neutrophils, decreased potassium, dry eye, nausea, constipation, increased potassium, dysgeusia, UTI, and decreased platelets.
PADCEV as a single agent: increased glucose, increased AST, decreased lymphocytes, increased creatinine, rash, fatigue, PN, decreased albumin, decreased hemoglobin, alopecia, decreased appetite, decreased neutrophils, decreased sodium, increased ALT, decreased phosphate, diarrhea, nausea, pruritus, increased urate, dry eye, dysgeusia, constipation, increased lipase, decreased weight, decreased platelets, abdominal pain, and dry skin.
EV-304 Study: Patients with cisplatin-eligible MIBC (PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab)

Neoadjuvant phase: Of a total of 403 patients, serious adverse reactions occurred in 27% of patients receiving PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab; the most common (≥1.5%) were rash (3.2%), pneumonitis/ILD (2.2%), and diarrhea (1.7%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.7% of patients, including multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (0.5%) and COVID-19 pneumonia, cardiac arrest, pneumonia, septic shock, and urosepsis (0.2% each). Additional fatal adverse reactions were reported in 2 patients in the post-surgery phase before adjuvant treatment started, including pneumonia and sepsis (1 patient each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV in the neoadjuvant phase occurred in 21% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were PN (5%) and rash (3.5%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV in the neoadjuvant phase occurred in 35% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were rash (10%), increased ALT (4%), neutropenia (3.7%), hyperglycemia (3%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV in the neoadjuvant phase occurred in 15% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were rash (9%) and pruritus (2%). Of the 403 patients in the PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab arm who received neoadjuvant treatment, thirteen (3.2%) patients did not receive surgery due to adverse reactions. The adverse reactions that led to cancellation of surgery were multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (0.5%) and adenocarcinoma of colon, COVID-19 pneumonia, cardiac arrest, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, glomerulonephritis, immune-mediated lung disease, myocarditis, pneumonia, pneumonitis, and urosepsis (0.2% each). Of the 351 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab and underwent radical cystectomy (RC), 26 (7%) patients experienced delay of surgery due to adverse reactions.
Adjuvant phase: Of the 351 patients who underwent surgery, 225 patients received adjuvant treatment with PADCEV with or without intravenous pembrolizumab. Of the 126 patients who did not receive adjuvant PADCEV, discontinuation of PADCEV prior to the adjuvant phase was due to an adverse event in 65 patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 36% of patients receiving PADCEV; the most common (≥1.5%) included UTI (8%), sepsis (2.2%), and diarrhea, hyperglycemia, pneumonitis/ILD, and urosepsis (1.8% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.1% of patients and included cardiac arrest, death, duodenal ulcer perforation, acute pancreatitis, renal failure, small cell lung cancer, and toxic shock syndrome (0.4% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV in the adjuvant phase occurred in 16% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were rash (3.6%), PN (1.8%), and UTI (1.3%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV in the adjuvant phase occurred in 34% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were diarrhea and UTI (5% each), rash (4%), and COVID-19 (2.7%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV in the adjuvant phase occurred in 5% of patients; the most common (>1%) included rash (1.3%).
EV-303 Study: Patients with cisplatin-ineligible MIBC (PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab)

Neoadjuvant phase: Of a total of 167 patients, serious adverse reactions occurred in 27% of patients receiving PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab; the most frequent (≥2%) were UTI (3.6%) and hematuria (2.4%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.2% of patients including myasthenia gravis and TEN (0.6% each). Additional fatal adverse reactions were reported in 2.7% of patients in the post-surgery phase before adjuvant treatment started, including sepsis and intestinal obstruction (1.4% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV occurred in 22% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were rash (4.8%), PN (2.4%), and diarrhea, dysgeusia, fatigue, pruritus, and TEN (1.2% each). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV occurred in 29% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were rash (8%), neutropenia (3.6%), hyperglycemia (3%), and fatigue and PN (2.4% each). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV occurred in 13% of patients; the most common (≥1%) were rash (4.8%), pruritus (1.8%), and PN, increased ALT, increased AST, decreased appetite, fatigue, neutropenia, and decreased weight (1.2% each). Seven (4.2%) patients did not receive surgery due to adverse reactions. The most common adverse reactions that led to cancellation of surgery were acute myocardial infarction, bile duct cancer, colon cancer, respiratory distress, UTI and deaths due to myasthenia gravis and TEN (0.6% each). Of the 146 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab and underwent RC, six (4.1%) patients experienced delay of surgery due to adverse reactions.
Adjuvant phase: Of the 146 patients who underwent surgery, 92 patients received adjuvant treatment with PADCEV with or without intravenous pembrolizumab. Of the 54 patients who did not receive adjuvant PADCEV, discontinuation of PADCEV prior to the adjuvant phase was due to an adverse event in 27 patients. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 43% of patients receiving PADCEV; the most frequent (≥2%) were UTI (8%), acute kidney injury, pyelonephritis, and urosepsis (4.3% each), and hypokalemia, intestinal obstruction, and sepsis (2.2% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including urosepsis, hemorrhage intracranial, death, myocardial infarction, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and pneumonia pseudomonal (1.1% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV occurred in 28% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (5%) and rash (4.3%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV occurred in 39% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were rash (7%), diarrhea and UTI (5% each), fatigue (4.3%), pruritus (3.3%), and PN and pyelonephritis (2.2% each). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV occurred in 8% of patients; the most common (≥2%) was weight decreased (2.2%).
EV-302 Study: 440 patients with previously untreated la/mUC (PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab)

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 50% of patients treated with PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab; the most common (≥2%) were rash (6%), acute kidney injury (5%), pneumonitis/ILD (4.5%), UTI (3.6%), diarrhea (3.2%), pneumonia (2.3%), pyrexia (2%), and hyperglycemia (2%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.9% of patients treated with PADCEV in combination with intravenous pembrolizumab including acute respiratory failure (0.7%), pneumonia (0.5%), and pneumonitis/ILD (0.2%).

Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of PADCEV occurred in 35% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (15%), rash (4.1%), and pneumonitis/ILD (2.3%).

Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of PADCEV occurred in 73% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose interruption of PADCEV were PN (22%), rash (16%), COVID-19 (10%), diarrhea (5%), pneumonitis/ILD (4.8%), fatigue (3.9%), hyperglycemia (3.6%), increased ALT (3%), and pruritus (2.5%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction of PADCEV occurred in 42% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were rash (16%), PN (13%), and fatigue (2.7%).

EV-301 Study: 296 patients previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy for la/mUC (PADCEV monotherapy)

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 47% of patients treated with PADCEV; the most common (≥2%) were UTI, acute kidney injury (7% each), and pneumonia (5%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3% of patients, including multiorgan dysfunction (1%), hepatic dysfunction, septic shock, hyperglycemia, pneumonitis/ILD, and pelvic abscess (0.3% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 17% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (5%) and rash (4%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 61% of patients; the most common (≥4%) were PN (23%), rash (11%), and fatigue (9%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 34% of patients; the most common (≥2%) were PN (10%), rash (8%), decreased appetite (3%), and fatigue (3%).

EV-201, Cohort 2 Study: 89 patients previously treated with a PD-1/L1 inhibitor and not eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy for la/mUC (PADCEV monotherapy)

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with PADCEV; the most common (≥3%) were pneumonia, sepsis, and diarrhea (5% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 8% of patients, including acute kidney injury (2.2%), metabolic acidosis, sepsis, multiorgan dysfunction, pneumonia, and pneumonitis/ILD (1.1% each). Adverse reactions leading to discontinuation occurred in 20% of patients; the most common (≥2%) was PN (7%). Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption occurred in 60% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (19%), rash (9%), fatigue (8%), diarrhea (5%), increased AST (3%), and hyperglycemia (3%). Adverse reactions leading to dose reduction occurred in 49% of patients; the most common (≥3%) were PN (19%), rash (11%), and fatigue (7%).

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Effects of other drugs on PADCEV (Dual P-gp and Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors)

Concomitant use with dual P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors may increase unconjugated monomethyl auristatin E exposure, which may increase the incidence or severity of PADCEV toxicities. Closely monitor patients for signs of toxicity when PADCEV is given concomitantly with dual P-gp and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.

SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Lactation Advise lactating women not to breastfeed during treatment with PADCEV and for 3 weeks after the last dose.

Hepatic impairment Avoid the use of PADCEV in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment.

(Press release, Pfizer, JUL 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234669144])

Priority Review Granted to PD-L1/4-1BB Bispecific Antibody Opamtistomig, Accelerating Commercialization and Addressing Unmet Need in EP-NEC

On July 10, 2026 Nanjing Leads Biolabs Co., Ltd. ("Leads Biolabs" or the "Company," Stock Code: 9887.HK) reported that the biologics license application (BLA) for Opamtistomig (LBL-024, a PD-L1/4-1BB bispecific antibody) as monotherapy for the treatment of advanced extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC) has been approved by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of the People’s Republic of China for inclusion in the priority review and approval procedure. This BLA submission is based on the positive results from a pivotal registrational clinical study led by Professor Shen Lin of Peking University Cancer Hospital, which was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Opamtistomig in patients with advanced EP-NEC whose disease had progressed following two or more prior lines of systemic therapy.

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Under the relevant PRC regulations, the review timeline for a BLA included in the priority review and approval procedure is 130 working days, as compared with 200 working days under the ordinary review procedure. The inclusion of Opamtistomig in the priority review process represents a key milestone toward its commercialization, providing clarity and visibility on its expected approval timeline. The Company is actively advancing relevant pre-launch commercialization preparations.

Executive Commentary

Dr. Charles Cai, Chief Medical Officer of Leads Biolabs, stated: "The differentiated mechanism of Opamtistomig is translating into broad clinical value validation across multiple indications. Beginning with EP-NEC, a highly aggressive immune-cold tumor for which no globally approved therapy currently exists, and extending to larger indications such as NSCLC and BTC, we have strategically and systematically built a comprehensive clinical development program. Across these indications, we continue to observe meaningful survival benefits and encouraging efficacy signals. We remain committed to accelerating the clinical development of Opamtistomig and unlocking its full potential as a next-generation cornerstone immunotherapy."

Dr. Xiaoqiang Kang, Founder, Chairman, CEO of Leads Biolabs, added: "The inclusion of Opamtistomig’s BLA in China’s priority review is a pivotal step in Leads Biolabs’ transition toward commercialization. This milestone not only reflects our decade-long commitment to differentiated innovation, but also underscores the regulatory authorities’ strong emphasis on addressing unmet medical needs. We will work closely with the CDE throughout the review process and strive to bring this innovative therapy to patients as quickly as possible."

About EP-NEC

EP-NEC is a highly aggressive immunologically cold tumor for which no therapy has been approved by any regulatory authority worldwide. Platinum-based chemotherapy remains the standard first-line treatment for patients with advanced EP-NEC, with a median overall survival (mOS) of approximately one year. However, there are no effective treatment options following progression on first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. For patients who have received two or more prior lines of systemic therapy, currently available later-line treatment options provide very limited clinical benefit, with reported objective response rates (ORR) ranging from 0% to 10% and a mOS of only three to four months. As such, EP-NEC represents an area of substantial unmet medical need, underscoring the urgent need for new and effective treatment approaches.

About Opamtistomig

Opamtistomig (LBL-024) is emerging as a next-generation pan-cancer backbone therapy with potential overall survival (OS) benefit that simultaneously targets PD-L1 and the co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB. Developed using Leads Biolabs’ proprietary X-Body bispecific platform, Opamtistomig is designed to simultaneously block PD-1/L1 immune suppression and conditionally activate 4-1BB, an agonist pathway, resulting in a potent and synergistic anti-tumor immune response. It has a safety profile comparable to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and demonstrates broader-spectrum anti-cancer potential. To date, Opamtistomig has demonstrated first- or best-in-class potential in Phase II or registrational clinical trials across four indications: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), biliary tract cancer (BTC), and extrapulmonary neuroendocrine carcinoma (EP-NEC).

As the first 4-1BB–targeting bispecific antibody globally to advance to a single-arm pivotal trial as monotherapy, Opamtistomig has been evaluated in 13 solid tumor indications in China, including 1 pivotal registration trial and 8 proof-of-concept studies. These cover EP-NEC, NSCLC, SCLC, BTC, ovarian cancer (OC), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gastric cancer (GC), triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), malignant melanoma, and other areas with high unmet medical needs.

Mechanistically, 4-1BB agonism can reactivate exhausted T cells and promote robust T-cell proliferation, offering significant promise for PD-1/PD-L1–resistant or immunologically "cold" tumors. Recognizing its clinical potential, Opamtistomig received Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) from China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in October 2024, and Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of neuroendocrine carcinoma in November 2024. Additionally, in January 2026, Opamtistomig was granted Fast Track Designation (FTD) by the FDA and ODD by the European Commission for the treatment of EP-NEC, further underscoring its potential to address unmet medical needs in this patient population.

(Press release, Nanjing Leads Biolabs, JUL 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234669143])

FDA Approves KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) and KEYTRUDA QLEX™ (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph), Each With Padcev® (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv), as Treatment Before and After Surgery for Adults With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (MIBC)

On July 10, 2026 Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, reported the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) and KEYTRUDA QLEX (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph), Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapies, each in combination with Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv), as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued after cystectomy as adjuvant treatment for the treatment of adult patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). These approvals represent the first and only PD-1 inhibitor plus antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) regimens approved for adults with MIBC regardless of cisplatin eligibility.

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These approvals are based on data from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 trial (also known as EV-304), which was conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas and enrolled 808 patients. They also expand the previously approved indication based on the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-905 trial (also known as EV-303) for KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each in combination with Padcev, in the U.S. as treatment before and after surgery for adult patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

In KEYNOTE-B15, KEYTRUDA plus Padcev, given before and after surgery, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in event-free survival (EFS), reducing the risk of EFS events (defined as disease progression, recurrence or death) by 47% (HR=0.53 [95% CI, 0.41-0.70]; p<0.0001; 87/405 [21%] versus 146/403 [36%]) in patients with MIBC who are eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine and cisplatin) and surgery. Median EFS was not reached (NR) (95% CI, NR-NR) for perioperative KEYTRUDA plus Padcev versus 48.5 months (95% CI, 43.3-NR) for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. KEYTRUDA plus Padcev also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in overall survival (OS), reducing the risk of death by 35% (HR=0.65 [95% CI, 0.48-0.89]; p=0.0029; 69/405 [17%] versus 99/403 [25%]) in these patients when compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. Median OS was NR (95% CI, NR-NR) for either regimen. The trial showed KEYTRUDA plus Padcev demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pathologic complete response (pCR) rate compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (55.8% [95% CI: 50.8, 60.7] versus 32.5% [95% CI: 28.0, 37.3]; p<0.0001). The effectiveness of KEYTRUDA QLEX for its approved indications has been established based upon evidence from the adequate and well-controlled studies conducted with KEYTRUDA and additional data from MK-3475A-D77 comparing the pharmacokinetic, efficacy and safety profiles of KEYTRUDA QLEX and KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA QLEX is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to berahyaluronidase alfa, hyaluronidase or to any of its excipients. KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX are associated with the following Warnings and Precautions: severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions in any or multiple organs, which can occur during or after treatment, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis, dermatologic reactions, solid organ transplant rejection, other transplant (including corneal graft) rejection; severe and life-threatening infusion or injection-related reactions; fatal and other serious complications in patients who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation before or after beginning treatment; embryo-fetal toxicity; and increased mortality in patients with multiple myeloma when KEYTRUDA or KEYTRUDA QLEX is added to a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone, which is not recommended outside of controlled trials. Immune-mediated adverse reactions listed here may not include all such possible severe or fatal reactions. For more information, see "Selected Safety Information" below.

"Today’s FDA approvals represent a meaningful development for patients who have muscle-invasive bladder cancer, as nearly half of these patients experience disease recurrence following bladder removal surgery," said Dr. Matthew Galsky, Lillian and Howard Stratton professor of medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, director of genitourinary medical oncology, Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center. "This shift away from traditional cisplatin-based chemotherapy, which has been recommended for eligible patients for more than 20 years, provides important new treatment options for individuals with muscle-invasive bladder cancer regardless of cisplatin eligibility."

"We’re expanding the use of KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX, each in combination with Padcev, for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who are eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy with these approvals," said Dr. Marjorie Green, senior vice president and head of oncology, global clinical development, Merck Research Laboratories. "The results from KEYNOTE-B15, together with KEYNOTE-905, highlight the potential of these new treatment options for patients regardless of cisplatin eligibility in the perioperative setting and mark a promising step forward in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer."

Study design and additional data from KEYNOTE-B15 supporting this approval

KEYNOTE-B15, also known as EV-304, is an open-label, randomized, multicenter, active-control Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04700124) evaluating perioperative KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and surgery (radical cystectomy [RC] and pelvic lymph node dissection [PLND]) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy (gemcitabine plus cisplatin) and surgery in patients with previously untreated MIBC who are eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The trial enrolled 808 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive either:

Neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously on Day 1 and Padcev 1.25 mg/kg intravenously on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle for four cycles prior to surgery, followed by adjuvant KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 13 cycles and adjuvant Padcev 1.25 mg/kg on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle for five cycles (n=405), or;
Neoadjuvant gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 70 mg/m2 on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for four cycles prior to surgery, followed by observation (n=403).
The major efficacy outcome measure was EFS as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR), defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of the following events: disease progression preventing curative surgery, failure to undergo surgery for participants with muscle invasive residual disease, incomplete surgical resection, local or distant recurrence after surgery or death. Additional efficacy outcome measures were OS and pCR rate as assessed by blinded independent pathology review.

Treatment continued until completion of study medications, disease progression, not undergoing or refusal of RC and PLND, disease recurrence in the adjuvant phase or unacceptable toxicity. Assessment of tumor status, including CT/MRI, was performed at baseline, within five weeks prior to RC and PLND, and at six weeks post-RC. Following RC and PLND, assessment of tumor status, including cystoscopy and urine cytology for patients who did not undergo surgery, was performed every 12 weeks up to two years and every 24 weeks thereafter.

A total of 351 (87%) patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and 361 (90%) patients receiving gemcitabine with cisplatin underwent RC and PLND. A total of 25 (6%) of patients in the gemcitabine with cisplatin arm received adjuvant nivolumab.

The trial was not designed to isolate the effect of KEYTRUDA in each phase (neoadjuvant or adjuvant) of treatment.

For the 403 patients who received KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant phase, the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA 200 mg every three weeks was 2.1 months (range: 1 day to 3.9 months) and the median number of cycles of KEYTRUDA was four (range: 1 to 4) out of the planned four cycles in the neoadjuvant phase. For the 262 patients randomized to receive KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and who received any adjuvant treatment, 249 patients received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA 200 mg every three weeks was 8.3 months (range: 1 day to 18.9 months) and the median number of cycles of KEYTRUDA was 13 (range: 1 to 13) out of the planned 13 cycles for patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. Across the combined neoadjuvant and adjuvant phases (n=403), the median number of cycles of KEYTRUDA was 10 (range: 1 to 17) out of the planned 17 cycles.

In the neoadjuvant phase of KEYNOTE-B15, serious adverse reactions occurred in 27% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev. The most frequent (≥1.5%) serious adverse reactions were rash (3.2%), pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease (ILD) (2.2%) and diarrhea (1.7%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.7% of patients, including multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (0.5%) and COVID-19 pneumonia, cardiac arrest, pneumonia, septic shock and urosepsis (0.2% each). Additional fatal adverse reactions were reported in two patients in the post-surgery phase before adjuvant treatment started, including pneumonia and sepsis (one patient each).

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant phase due to an adverse reaction occurred in 17% of patients. The most frequent (>1%) adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were rash (2.2%), increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and pneumonitis/ILD (1.7% each) and hepatitis (1.2%).

Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant phase occurred in 29% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA were rash (8%), increased ALT (3.7%), neutropenia (3.2%) and hyperglycemia (2.5%). Of the 403 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev, 13 patients (3.2%) did not receive surgery due to adverse reactions. The adverse reactions that led to cancellation of surgery were multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (0.5%) and adenocarcinoma of colon, COVID-19 pneumonia, cardiac arrest, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, glomerulonephritis, immune-mediated lung disease, myocarditis, pneumonia, pneumonitis and urosepsis (0.2% each).

Of the 351 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and underwent RC, 26 (7%) patients experienced delay of surgery (defined as time from last neoadjuvant treatment to surgery exceeding eight weeks) due to adverse reactions.

In the adjuvant phase of KEYNOTE-B15, serious adverse reactions occurred in 35% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase; the most frequent (≥1.5%) serious adverse reactions were urinary tract infection (8%), sepsis (2.8%), diarrhea, hyperglycemia and pneumonitis/ILD (1.6% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3.2% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase, including death (0.8%) and cardiac arrest, duodenal ulcer perforation, acute pancreatitis, renal failure, small cell lung cancer and toxic shock syndrome (0.4% each).

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 23% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. The most frequent (>1%) adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were diarrhea and pneumonitis/ILD (2.4% each), rash (2%), and hyperglycemia and sepsis (1.2% each).

Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase occurred in 39% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA were diarrhea (6%), urinary tract infection (5%), COVID-19 (3.6%), rash (2.8%) and nausea (2%).

Study design and additional data from KEYNOTE-905 supporting the previous approval

KEYNOTE-905, also known as EV-303, is an open-label, randomized, multi-arm, controlled Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03924895) evaluating perioperative KEYTRUDA, with or without Padcev, versus surgery alone in patients with MIBC who are either not eligible for or declined cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The trial was conducted in collaboration with Pfizer and Astellas and enrolled 344 patients who were randomized 1:1 to receive either:

Neoadjuvant KEYTRUDA 200 mg intravenously on Day 1 and Padcev 1.25 mg/kg intravenously on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle for three cycles prior to surgery, followed by adjuvant KEYTRUDA 200 mg on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 14 cycles and adjuvant Padcev 1.25 mg/kg on Days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle for six cycles (n=170).
Immediate RC and PLND alone (n=174).
The major efficacy outcome measure was EFS as assessed by BICR, defined as the time from randomization to the first occurrence of the following events: disease progression preventing curative surgery, failure to undergo surgery for participants with muscle invasive residual disease, incomplete surgical resection, local or distant recurrence after surgery or death. Overall survival and pCR rate as assessed by blinded independent pathology review were additional efficacy outcome measures.

In KEYNOTE-905, KEYTRUDA plus Padcev, given before and after surgery, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in EFS, reducing the risk of EFS events by 60% (HR=0.40 [95% CI, 0.28-0.57]; p<0.0001; 48/170 [28%] versus 95/174 [55%]) compared to surgery alone in patients with MIBC who are not eligible for or declined cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Median EFS was not reached (NR) (95% CI, 37.3-NR) for perioperative KEYTRUDA plus Padcev versus 15.7 months (95% CI, 10.3-20.5) for surgery alone. KEYTRUDA plus Padcev also demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in OS, reducing the risk of death by 50% (HR=0.50 [95% CI, 0.33-0.74]; p=0.0002; 38/170 [22%] versus 68/174 [39%]) in these patients when compared to surgery alone. Median OS was NR (95% CI, NR-NR) for the regimen containing KEYTRUDA plus Padcev compared to 41.7 months (95% CI, 31.8-NR) for surgery alone. The trial showed KEYTRUDA plus Padcev demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in pCR rate compared to surgery alone (57.1% [95% CI: 49.3, 64.6] versus 8.6% [95% CI: 4.9, 13.8]; p<0.0001). The effectiveness of KEYTRUDA QLEX for its approved indications has been established based upon evidence from the adequate and well-controlled studies conducted with KEYTRUDA and additional data from MK-3475A-D77 comparing the pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety profiles of KEYTRUDA QLEX and KEYTRUDA.

A total of 149 (88%) patients in the arm receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and 156 (90%) patients in the RC and PLND alone arm underwent RC and PLND. A total of 29 (17%) of patients in the RC and PLND alone arm received adjuvant nivolumab.

The trial was not designed to isolate the effect of KEYTRUDA in each phase (neoadjuvant or adjuvant) of treatment.

Treatment continued until completion of study medications, disease progression, not undergoing or refusal of RC and PLND, disease recurrence in the adjuvant phase, or unacceptable toxicity. Assessment of tumor status, including CT/MRI, was performed at baseline, within five weeks prior to RC and PLND and at six weeks post-radical cystectomy. Following RC and PLND, assessment of tumor status, including cystoscopy and urine cytology for patients who did not undergo surgery, was performed every 12 weeks up to two years and every 24 weeks thereafter.

For the 167 patients who received KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant phase, the median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA 200 mg every three weeks was 1.4 months (range: 1 day to 2.7 months) and the median number of cycles of KEYTRUDA was three (range: 1 to 3) out of the planned three cycles in the neoadjuvant phase. For the 100 patients randomized to receive KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and who received any adjuvant treatment, 96 patients received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. The median duration of exposure to KEYTRUDA 200 mg every three weeks was 8.5 months (range: 1 day to 12.9 months) and the median number of cycles of KEYTRUDA was 12 (range: 1 to 14) out of the planned 14 cycles for patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. Across the combined neoadjuvant and adjuvant phases (n=167), the median number of cycles of KEYTRUDA was five (range: 1 to 17) out of the planned 17 cycles.

In the neoadjuvant phase, serious adverse reactions occurred in 27% of patients receiving KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev. The most frequent (≥2%) serious adverse reactions were urinary tract infection (3.6%) and hematuria (2.4%). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 1.2% of patients, including myasthenia gravis and toxic epidermal necrolysis (0.6% each). Additional fatal adverse reactions were reported in 2.7% of patients in the post-surgery phase before adjuvant treatment started, including sepsis and intestinal obstruction (1.4% each).

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 15% of patients. The most frequent (>1%) adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were rash (2.4%, including generalized exfoliative dermatitis), increased ALT, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), diarrhea, dysgeusia and toxic epidermal necrolysis (1.2% each).

Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA in the neoadjuvant phase occurred in 20% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA were rash (4.8%) and neutropenia (2.4%). Of the 167 patients in the KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev arm who received neoadjuvant treatment, seven (4.2%) patients did not receive surgery due to adverse reactions. The adverse reactions that led to cancellation of surgery were acute myocardial infarction, bile duct cancer, colon cancer, respiratory distress, urinary tract infection, and the two deaths due to myasthenia gravis and toxic epidermal necrolysis (0.6% each).

Of the 146 patients who received neoadjuvant treatment with KEYTRUDA in combination with Padcev and underwent radical cystectomy, six (4.1%) patients experienced delay of surgery (defined as time from last neoadjuvant treatment to surgery exceeding eight weeks) due to adverse reactions.

In the adjuvant phase, serious adverse reactions occurred in 45% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase; the most frequent (≥2%) serious adverse reactions were urinary tract infection (8%), acute kidney injury and pyelonephritis (5% each), urosepsis (4.2%), and hypokalemia, intestinal obstruction and sepsis (2.1% each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 7% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase, including urosepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, death, myocardial infarction, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and pseudomonal pneumonia (1% each).

Permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA due to an adverse reaction occurred in 29% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. The most frequent (>2%) adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of KEYTRUDA were diarrhea (5%) and peripheral neuropathy, acute kidney injury and pneumonitis (2% each).

Adverse reactions leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase occurred in 40% of patients who received KEYTRUDA in the adjuvant phase. The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) leading to dose interruption of KEYTRUDA were rash (7%), urinary tract infection (6%), diarrhea (4%) and abdominal pain, COVID-19, fatigue, pruritus and pyelonephritis (2% each).

About bladder cancer

Bladder cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide, diagnosed in more than 635,000 patients each year globally. In the U.S., it is estimated there will be more than 84,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed and more than 17,000 deaths from the disease in 2026. According to some clinical practice guidelines, about 25% of newly diagnosed bladder cancer cases are MIBC. The standard of care for patients with MIBC is neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgery, which is shown to prolong survival. However, nearly half of patients who undergo this standard treatment experience recurrence. Additionally, up to half of patients with MIBC are not eligible to receive cisplatin and face limited treatment options, typically undergoing surgery alone.

(Press release, Merck & Co, JUL 10, 2026, View Source [SID1234669141])