Merck and Pfizer to present avelumab data at ASCO annual meeting

Merck KGaA and Pfizer announced this week that 14 presentations on avelumab will be featured at the 52nd American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting. 

The fourteen presentations, including two oral presentations, will feature the results of avelumab treatment on seven different tumor types.

“One of our key highlights for ASCO will be the new avelumab data in second-line metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma,” Merck EVP, Global Head of Research & Development, Luciano Rossetti said. “As there are currently no approved treatments for this rare and aggressive cancer, these clinically meaningful data represent a breakthrough for this difficult-to-treat tumor type.”

The avelumab data resulted from the JAVELIN clinical development program. Avelumab is being evaluated as a treatment for a variety of cancers, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecologic, lung and melanoma. The trials range from Phase I to Phase III.

"These data add to the growing body of evidence for avelumab, indicating efficacy and a favorable safety profile in multiple cancers, which supports ongoing development,” Pfizer Oncology VP and Head of Early Development, Translational and Immuno-Oncology Dr. Chris Boshoff said. “Through our comprehensive JAVELIN clinical development program for avelumab, we are making meaningful advances for a broad range of patients with cancer.”