-- Japanese pharmaceutical firm Eisai (TYO:4523) and U.S.-based Merck's experimental combination therapies failed to meet the dual primary endpoints of progression-free survival and overall survival in a Phase 3 trial.
The trial was evaluating first-line treatment for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that accounts for approximately 80% of all cases, according to a joint statement on Tuesday.
The LITESPARK-012 study tested two regimens: Keytruda plus Lenvima plus Welireg, and MK-1308A (a co-formulation of Keytruda with an investigational antibody) plus Lenvima, against the established combination of Keytruda and Lenvima in 1,688 patients.
An interim analysis revealed that neither experimental combination met the study's two primary goals of improving overall survival and progression-free survival compared with the standard treatment.