Exelixis and MSD: A New Milestone in Cancer Therapy

The biotechnology companies Exelixis from the USA and MSD have entered into a promising partnership to explore the potential of their respective cancer therapies in upcoming clinical trials. This collaboration aims to investigate the efficacy of combining Exelixis' Zanzalintinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and MSD's anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA (Pembrolizumab) in a Phase III study for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the combination of Zanzalintinib and MSD's HIF-2α inhibitor WELIREG (Belzutifan) will be tested in a Phase I/II study and two Phase III studies for renal cell carcinoma. MSD is providing KEYTRUDA for the Phase III study STELLAR-305 led by Exelixis in PD-L1-positive, recurrent, or metastatic HNSCC cases. MSD will sponsor not only the Phase I/II study but also two Phase III studies for renal cell carcinoma. One of these Phase III studies will be fully funded by MSD, while the remaining studies will be funded in collaboration with Exelixis. According to Dr. Marjorie Green, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Clinical Development Oncology at Merck Research Laboratories, there is hope to achieve better treatment outcomes for more patients through the strategic evaluation of new combination regimens. Exelixis is contributing both Zanzalintinib and Cabozantinib to the studies, while retaining all global marketing and distribution rights for Zanzalintinib. Amy Peterson, Executive Vice-President and Chief Medical Officer for Product Development and Medical Affairs at Exelixis, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, which demonstrates the potential that can be leveraged when combined with immune or targeted therapies in HNSCC and RCC. This partnership also paves a pragmatic path for the further development of Zanzalintinib in renal cell carcinoma.