News of Note: mRNA vaccine for melanoma

Merck & Co. (MRK) reported positive Phase 2b/3 trial results for remigromig, a potential first-in-class treatment for diabetic macular edema. The drug met primary endpoints but showed higher rates of adverse events. Merck aims to diversify its pipeline as it prepares for KEYTRUDA's patent expiration, with Q2 sales reaching $16.6 billion. Recent acquisitions and pipeline developments are key to its long-term strategy, though safety concerns and earnings pressures pose near-term risks.

Merck & Co. Inc. has licensed the preclinical drug SPR-2015 from Scibrunch Therapeutics Co. Ltd. for a potential $2.13 billion. The deal includes $400 million upfront and further milestone payments for development and commercialization in multiple indications.

Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna lost a bid to dismiss lawsuits from Bayer's Monsanto unit over mRNA technology patents. The judge denied their requests to dismiss the case.

Merck paid $400M upfront for global rights to SciBrunch's preclinical cancer drug SPR2015, targeting KRAS G12D mutation. The deal could total $2.13B with milestones. Merck also withdrew FDA accelerated approval application for lung cancer drug I-DXd, developed with Daiichi Sankyo, due to insufficient Phase 2 data.

Daiichi Sankyo and Merck withdrew their FDA application for accelerated approval of I-DXd (ifinatamab deruxtecan) in small cell lung cancer. The FDA indicated the data did not meet the requirements for accelerated approval. The companies will focus on the ongoing phase 3 IDeate-Lung02 trial, which has faced delays due to safety concerns. I-DXd is also being tested in other cancer types.

A federal judge declined to dismiss Bayer's patent lawsuits against Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna over mRNA technology used in their COVID-19 vaccines. Bayer claims the companies infringed on Monsanto's 1980s patent for stabilizing mRNA in crops. The vaccine makers argue their processes differ and that the patent covers a 'law of nature'.