Altimmune, Inc. (ALT) shares surged 6.69% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, following positive topline results from Merck's Phase 3 MK-3475A-D77 trial evaluating the subcutaneous administration of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) together with Altimmune's berahyaluronidase alfa (ALT-B4) in combination with chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
The trial met its dual primary pharmacokinetic endpoints, demonstrating non-inferior exposure of the subcutaneous pembrolizumab formulation compared to intravenous Keytruda when administered with chemotherapy. Secondary endpoints of efficacy and safety were generally consistent between the two treatment arms.
These positive results suggest that the subcutaneous pembrolizumab formulation, if approved, could improve the treatment experience for patients by reducing administration time and increasing access compared to intravenous infusion. Merck plans to discuss the data with regulatory authorities worldwide as soon as possible.
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