Merck's Keytruda and Padcev Combination Improves Survival Rates in Major Bladder Cancer Study
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 17 2025
0mins
Source: Benzinga
Trial Results: Merck & Co. announced positive topline results from the Phase 3 KEYNOTE-B15 trial, showing that Keytruda combined with Padcev significantly improved event-free survival, overall survival, and pathologic complete response rates in muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients eligible for cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Safety Profile: The safety profile of the Keytruda and Padcev combination was consistent with known safety profiles, with no new safety signals identified during the trial.
Future Plans: Merck and its partners plan to present the trial results to regulatory authorities for potential filings and will share the data at an upcoming medical meeting.
Ongoing Research: Three additional Phase 3 studies are underway to evaluate Keytruda across various stages of bladder cancer, including two focused on muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
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Analyst Views on MRK
Wall Street analysts forecast MRK stock price to fall
16 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 120.840
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
Current: 120.840
Low
95.00
Averages
119.53
High
139.00
About MRK
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global health care company that delivers health solutions through its prescription medicines, including biologic therapies, vaccines and animal health products. Its Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. The Company sells its human health pharmaceutical products primarily to drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers. It sells these human health vaccines primarily to physicians, wholesalers, distributors and government entities. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a range of veterinary pharmaceutical and vaccine products, as well as health management solutions and services, for the prevention, treatment and control of disease in all livestock and companion animal species. Its products include KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) injection, for intravenous use; WELIREG (belzutifan) tablets, for oral use; Ohtuvayre (ensifentrine) and others.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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