Core Insights - Merck (MRK) announced positive data from the dose confirmation phase of the phase II/III waveLINE-003 study for zilovertamab vedotin, an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) targeting relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) [1][2] Study Results - The waveLINE-003 study showed a 56.3% objective response rate (ORR) for zilovertamab vedotin (1.75 mg/kg) in combination with standard-of-care rituximab and gemcitabine-oxaliplatin (R-GemOx), with eight patients achieving complete response (CR) and one partial response [2][6] - The phase II portion of the study indicated a promising response rate and manageable safety profile for zilovertamab vedotin in combination with standard care [3] Development Activities - Zilovertamab vedotin is a first-in-class ADC targeting ROR1, a protein overexpressed in various hematologic malignancies, representing a potential innovation in cancer treatment [4] - The ADC is being evaluated in additional mid-to-late-stage studies for DLBCL, including phase III waveLINE-010 and phase II waveLINE-007 studies for previously untreated DLBCL patients [7] - A new phase II waveLINE-011 study has been initiated to compare zilovertamab vedotin plus rituximab and R-CHP against polatuzumab vedotin with R-CHP for DLBCL treatment [8] Other Developments - Merck also reported data from the phase I KANDLELIT-001 study for its KRAS G12C inhibitor candidate, MK-1084, showing manageable safety and antitumor activity in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients [9][10] - The phase III KANDLELIT-012 study is evaluating MK-1084 in combination with cetuximab and mFOLFOX6 for first-line treatment of KRAS G12C-mutant CRC, while the phase III KANDLELIT-004 study is investigating its use with Keytruda for metastatic NSCLC [11]