Merus Stock Price, News & Analysis

Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) has reported interim clinical data from the phase 1/2 trial of its bispecific antibody, petosemtamab, in patients with previously treated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Key findings include a 37% overall response rate among 43 evaluable patients and a 6-month median duration of response. The trial involved 49 patients, with most having undergone multiple previous treatments. The disease control rate was found to be 72.1%, with promising overall survival metrics. Safety assessments indicated manageable side effects, primarily mild to moderate gastrointestinal and skin reactions. An end-of-phase meeting with the FDA provided insights into the potential registration path for petosemtamab as a treatment for HNSCC. A conference call is scheduled for April 17, 2023, to discuss these results further.

Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) reported a robust overall response rate (ORR) of 36% in a trial for the bispecific antibody petosemtamab (MCLA-158) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). As of November 28, 2022, 42 evaluable patients showed clinical efficacy, with a median duration of response of 6 months. Following an end-of-phase meeting with the FDA, the company is optimistic about a potential registration path for petosemtamab. The ongoing phase 1/2 trial incorporates a cohort evaluating the drug in combination with Keytruda, targeting a relevant patient population. Merus is set to share more details during a presentation at the AACR Annual Meeting 2023 and on an investor call scheduled for April 17, 2023.

Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) announced early clinical data on its bispecific antibody, petosemtamab (MCLA-158), for treating advanced gastric/esophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) at the AACR Annual Meeting 2023. The treatment targets EGFR and LGR5, showing promise among patients with EGFR gene amplification or overexpression. However, the company has decided to pause further exploration of the GEA cohort to prioritize head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) due to observed strong clinical activity. Clinical data indicated that out of 14 evaluable patients, one achieved a sustained partial response with a 67% tumor reduction, and three experienced stable disease. Petosemtamab demonstrated a manageable safety profile with common adverse events like rash and hypotension. The presentation is scheduled for April 17, 2023.

Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) announced the presentation of an abstract on its bispecific antibody MCLA-129 at the AACR Annual Meeting 2023 in Orlando, scheduled for April 18, 2023. MCLA-129 targets EGFR and c-MET, showing enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity compared to amivantamab in preclinical evaluations. The therapy is in clinical trials for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head and neck cancers. Merus holds global rights outside China for MCLA-129, which is co-developed with Betta Pharmaceuticals.

Merus N.V. (MRUS) has announced the selection of two abstracts for the upcoming AACR Annual Meeting 2023 on April 17, where interim clinical data for bispecific antibody petosemtamab will be presented. The first presentation will focus on its efficacy in treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, while the second will cover its use in advanced gastric/esophageal adenocarcinoma. These findings are part of a phase 1 trial. An investor call is scheduled for the same day at 6:30 p.m. ET. Petosemtamab targets cancer stem cells and demonstrates promising mechanisms for inhibiting tumor growth, marking a significant advancement in oncology.