BUSINESS WIRE

)--Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, and NanoString Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG) today announced a clinical research collaboration to develop an assay that will optimize immune-related gene expression signatures and evaluate the potential to predict benefit from Merck’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA

 (pembrolizumab), in multiple tumor types. The collaboration between NanoString Technologies, Inc., a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, and Merck, through a subsidiary, will utilize NanoString’s nCounter

 Analysis System to optimize gene expression signatures as part of the clinical development program for KEYTRUDA.

	“Our commitment to advancing the science of immuno-oncology includes pursuing cutting-edge RNA and DNA approaches to identify a range of biomarkers, such as immune-related gene expression signatures, that in addition to PD-L1 expression, may help to identify patients who may be more likely to experience improved benefit with KEYTRUDA,” said Dr. Eric Rubin, vice president and therapeutic area head, oncology early-stage development, Merck Research Laboratories. “Our collaboration with NanoString Technologies is an important advancement for our early-stage, immuno-oncology development program. Early data exploring the predictive value of the NanoString-derived gene expression signatures with KEYTRUDA will be presented at ASCO 2015.”

	“We are excited to work with Merck to help direct treatment with KEYTRUDA,” said Brad Gray, president and chief executive officer of NanoString Technologies. “New approaches in immuno-oncology, like KEYTRUDA, have the potential to transform cancer care across many different tumor types. With our nCounter technology and 

diagnostic capability, NanoString is ideally positioned to address the critical challenge of matching patients to powerful new therapies. This collaboration with Merck complements our existing relationships with MD Anderson and the Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network, and builds on our leadership position in immuno-oncology biomarker development.”

Early Data on Immune-based Gene Expression Signatures at 2015 ASCO Annual Meeting

	First-time presentations of data evaluating immune-based gene expression signatures developed using NanoString’s nCounter

 Analysis System, and their correlation to patient benefit with KEYTRUDA will be presented at this year’s 51

 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (May 29-June 2, 2015 in Chicago). The early data to be presented include findings in bladder cancer (Abstract #4502), advanced melanoma (Abstract #3001), gastric cancer (Abstract #3026), and head and neck cancer (Abstract #6017). These early data are based on an initial signature, the interferon-gamma response gene, which was derived from initial findings that expression of this immune response gene predicted response to KEYTRUDA in advanced melanoma patients. Additional signatures are in development based on extension of these initial findings.

	KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. By binding to the PD-1 receptor and blocking the interaction with the receptor ligands, KEYTRUDA releases the PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response.

	KEYTRUDA is indicated in the United States at a dose of 2 mg/kg administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes every three weeks for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and disease progression following ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and durability of response. An improvement in survival or disease-related symptoms has not yet been established. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in the confirmatory trials.

	Merck is advancing a broad and fast-growing clinical development program for KEYTRUDA with more than 100 clinical trials — across more than 30 tumor types and enrolling more than 16,000 patients – both as a monotherapy and in combination with other therapies.

	NanoString Technologies provides life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products. The company's nCounter Analysis System has been employed in life sciences research since it was first introduced in 2008 and has been cited in over 700 peer-reviewed publications. The nCounter Analysis System offers a cost-effective way to easily profile the expression of hundreds of genes, proteins, miRNAs, or copy number variations, simultaneously with high sensitivity and precision, facilitating a wide variety of basic research and translational medicine applications, including biomarker discovery and validation. The company's technology has also been applied to diagnostic use. The Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay together with the nCounter Dx Analysis System is FDA 510(k) cleared for use as a prognostic indicator for distant recurrence of breast cancer. For more information, please visit 

Articles

Merck and NanoString Technologies, Inc. today announced a clinical research collaboration to develop an assay that will optimize immune-related gene expression signatures.

Merck and NanoString Announce Clinical Research Collaboration to Develop an Immune-Related Gene Expression Assay for Use in the Development Program for KEYTRUDAÂ® (pembrolizumab)

	FRAZER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2015-- Today, World Multiple Sclerosis Day, Jack Osbourne, in partnership with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., kicked off the third year of the 

 campaign to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States and provide valuable resources to the MS community. In response to the evolving needs of the community, 

 launched an enhanced online destination featuring new content, resources, and docu-series chronicling Jack's journey with relapsing-remitting MS designed to help MS patients, caregivers and loved ones learn how to navigate through diagnosis and living with the disease.

	"I have a personal interest in developing the new 

website to make it as helpful and relatable as possible for those living with MS, like myself," Osbourne said. "Since my diagnosis three years ago, I have found so much satisfaction in helping others better understand MS, and I hope the new content inspires others who are living with MS to take an active role in how they manage their disease."

 was created by Jack and Teva to dispel myths and misperceptions about MS, and does so by sharing stories of patients and advocates. Inspired by Jack, the son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, the new website features an online video docu-series chronicling Jack's journey with MS, downloadable tools and resources, and a blog in which Jack shares his personal experience living with MS. Beyond showcasing Jack's personal journey, the video docu-series, available on 

, spotlights others living with MS and their caregivers. In the latest webisode, "Driving the MS Conversation," Jack surprises three MS patients in a taxi cab to learn more about their lives and share their experiences to help others with the disease.

	In addition, the site offers information and tools designed to help MS patients navigate and understand the different stages of MS, from diagnosis to managing the disease effectively.  Comprehensive educational content is featured from a prominent U.S. advocacy group, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA), including information on how MS works inside the body and tips on how to talk to family, friends and children about the condition.

	"Living with MS can be challenging at times, so it's important that people with MS have access to relatable and reliable information," said Peter Damiri, Vice President of Programs and Services, MSAA. "MSAA's mission is to improve lives today for the entire MS community and we applaud Jack for his openness and commitment to raising awareness for this disease. MSAA is proud to partner with Jack and Teva and provide our educational content for the 

activities planned in 2015 include the unveiling of two additional webisodes, and blog posts from Jack broaching topics such as fitness and diet, stress management and how he plans to discuss his disease with his daughter. Guest bloggers, including medical experts and Jack's mother, Sharon Osbourne, will contribute posts on their perspectives, to add breadth to the impact of MS.

	For more information about the campaign, please visit 

	Jack Osbourne first caught America's attention on the hit reality show 

 (MTV, 2002-2004). He's continued his work on television over the years and more recently, taken on the roles of producer and host. Jack was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), the most common form of MS, in 2012. The diagnosis came just three weeks before he and his wife, Lisa, had their daughter, Pearl. Since his diagnosis, Jack has worked as a passionate MS patient advocate, speaking out about the need for MS research and greater awareness. In 2013, Jack participated on the TV dancing competition 

earning a third place finish and demonstrating how he maintains an active and healthy lifestyle despite his diagnosis with RRMS. That same year, Jack was honored at Nancy Davis' 20th Annual Race to Erase MS Gala for his courage in announcing his diagnosis, as well as for acting as a role model to others who are living with MS. Jack is currently producing several film and television projects, including webisodes of 

 is a partnership between Jack Osbourne and Teva Neuroscience, Inc. that is designed to dispel myths, educate and help empower people living with MS to take an active role in managing their disease. The campaign, now in its third year, was created for people living with MS and their loved ones to show that while MS is a part of Jack's life, it does not control his life. Today, 

provides a variety of assets and educational content through the website 

, including a video docu-series chronicling Jack's life with MS, background information on the disease, patient resources and tools, and a blog from Jack and several members of his support group.

	Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE:TEVA) is a leading global pharmaceutical company that delivers high-quality, patient-centric healthcare solutions to millions of patients every day. Headquartered in Israel, Teva is the world's largest generic medicines producer, leveraging its portfolio of more than 1,000 molecules to produce a wide range of generic products in nearly every therapeutic area. In specialty medicines, Teva has a world-leading position in innovative treatments for disorders of the central nervous system, including pain, as well as a strong portfolio of respiratory products. Teva integrates its generics and specialty capabilities in its global research and development division to create new ways of addressing unmet patient needs by combining drug development capabilities with devices, services and technologies. Teva's net revenues in 2014 amounted to $20.3 billion. For more information, visit

	The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications including MSAA's magazine, 

, MSAA's nationally recognized website featuring award-winning educational videos and research updates; a mobile phone app, My MS ManagerTM (named one of the best multiple sclerosis iPhone & Android apps by Healthline.com); safety and mobility equipment; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; educational events held across the country; MRI funding; and more. For additional information, please visit 

Multiple Sclerosis patient Jack Osbourne unveils new resources to empower others with Multiple Sclerosis to take a more active role in managing disease.