Merck Secures Global Rights to LaNova's Bispecific Antibody to Sustain Keytruda's Market Dominance

Merck & Co. has strategically invested $588 million upfront, with a potential for $2.7 billion in milestone payments, to gain global rights to LaNova's bispecific antibody, LM-299, which targets PD-1 and VEGF proteins[1][2]. This investment reflects a growing trend in the pharmaceutical industry towards bispecific cancer immunotherapies, following successes like Akeso and Summit Therapeutics' ivonescimab, which outperformed Keytruda in clinical trials[2]. By securing licensing for LM-299, Merck aims to safeguard its oncology market leadership and cushion the potential revenue impact as Keytruda's patent expiration looms in 2028. This move illustrates Merck's commitment to advancing its immunotherapy strategies and maintaining its competitive edge in the face of emerging threats and potential biosimilars[1].