Merck unveils first Phase 3 results for intismeran and sac‑TMT at ESMO 2026

ESMO 2026 programme

Merck will present late‑breaking data during Presidential Symposia at the ESMO Congress in Madrid (Oct 23–27). Three pivotal trials will be featured: INTerpath‑001 (Presentation #LBA1), TroFuse‑005 (Presentation #LBA11) and KEYNOTE‑C93 (Presentation #LBA12). The company expects more than 90 additional abstracts across 20+ tumor types throughout the meeting.

Pivotal Phase 3 findings

INTerpath‑001 reports first Phase 3 results for intismeran autogene (V940/mRNA‑4157) combined with KEYTRUDA, showing improvements in recurrence‑free survival and distant metastasis‑free survival versus KEYTRUDA alone in completely resected stage IIB–IV melanoma in the adjuvant setting. TroFuse‑005 is the first Phase 3 trial of a TROP2‑directed ADC to report improved overall survival and progression‑free survival in certain patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer who progressed after platinum and a PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitor. KEYNOTE‑C93 presents Phase 3 data supporting first‑line KEYTRUDA monotherapy for some patients with dMMR advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer.

Additional pipeline and portfolio data

Presentations include OptiTROP lung studies (OptiTROP‑Lung06 #LBA66; OptiTROP‑Lung04 final OS #LBA67) and the final analysis from LITESPARK‑011 evaluating belzutifan plus lenvatinib in advanced RCC (Presentation #3587O). Intismeran is an individualized mRNA‑based neoantigen therapy jointly developed with Moderna. Sac‑TMT is a TROP2‑directed ADC with a belotecan‑derived topoisomerase I payload and a bifunctional linker, and is being evaluated in 18 ongoing global Phase 3 trials. Calderasib (MK‑1084) is noted as a next‑generation KRAS G12C covalent inhibitor in the pipeline.

Investor event

Merck will host an Oncology Investor Event on Oct 26 at 7:30 p.m. CET/2:30 p.m. ET in Madrid with a webcast summarizing its oncology strategy and programme updates.