FDA puts hold on Merck multiple myeloma trials after deaths

Reuters ------ Merck & Co (MRK.N) said on Wednesday the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had placed a clinical hold on three multiple myeloma studies testing its Keytruda in combination with other medicines for the blood cancer after more deaths were reported in patients receiving the Merck immunotherapy. The rare setback for Keytruda sent Merck shares more than 1 percent lower. Merck has been on a roll with the medicine, jumping to the front of the pack of companies with new immuno-oncology drugs, particularly after Keytruda extended survival as an initial treatment for advanced lung cancer, by far the largest oncology market. Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY.N) had been the perceived leader in the field until last year, when its Opdivo failed to match Keytruda's lung cancer success. To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.