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The information provided on EL7.AI is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
In a move reflecting the high stakes and clinical challenges of oncology development, Gilead Sciences and Merck & Co. have discontinued their Phase 3 KEYNOTE-D46/EVOKE-03 trial. The study was evaluating the combination of Trodelvy and Keytruda as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The decision followed a review by an independent Data Monitoring Committee, which determined that interim data on progression-free and overall survival did not justify the continuation of the study.
This setback impacts Gilead's efforts to expand Trodelvy's indications amid a competitive landscape. For context, peer AstraZeneca has also faced mixed clinical results in similar lung cancer trials recently, while Merck continues to lean on its blockbuster Keytruda, which generated $25 billion in sales in 2023 according to company financial reports. Market data shows that pharmaceutical giants are under increasing pressure to deliver superior efficacy in combination therapies to maintain premium pricing.
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Sign InInvestors are assessing the impact on valuations with GILD priced at $128.1 and MRK at $119.52 (at close June 8, 2026). Looking ahead, broader sector sentiment may be influenced by upcoming economic catalysts such as the U.S. Initial Jobless Claims on June 4. The focus now shifts to Gilead's pipeline reallocation and whether Merck will seek alternative combination partners for its primary oncology franchise.