• Contemporary ClinicContemporary Clinic
  • OTC GuideOTC Guide
  • Pharmacy Times
  • PTCEPTCE
  • Pharmacist Moms GroupPharmacist Moms Group
News
All News
FDA Updates
Press Releases
Media
All Videos
Digital Detail
Independent Corner
Insights
Interviews
MEDcast
Medical World News
Microsites
Peer Exchange
Perfect Consult
Podcasts
Practice Pearls
Sponsored Webcast
Student Voices
Webinars/Webcasts
Conferences
Conference Coverage
Conference Listing
Publications
Pharmacy Times
Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Oncology
Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems
Pharmacy Careers
All Publications
About the Publications
Author Submission
Submit to Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Oncology
Submit to Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems
Become a Peer Reviewer
Supplements & Featured Publications
Clinical
503B Compounding Pharmacy
ADHD
Allergy
Alzheimer Disease
Anxiety
Asthma
Atopic Dermatitis
Biosimilars
Bipolar Disorder
Brain Health
Breast Cancer
C. Difficile
COPD
COVID-19
Cardiovascular Health
Cervical Cancer
Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholesterol
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Classical Hematology
Colorectal Cancer
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Cough and Cold
Depression
Dermatology
Diabetes
Digestive Health
Dry Eye Disease
Epilepsy
Eye Care
Flu
Future of Pharmacy
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal Health
Gout
HER2 Breast Cancer
HIV
Heart Failure
Hematology
Hepatitis/MASH
Immunization
Immuno-oncology
Immunoglobulins
Infectious Disease
Lung Cancer
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Mental Health
Migraine
Movement Disorders
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Sclerosis
Myelofibrosis
Neurology
Neutropenia
Osteoporosis
Ovarian Cancer
Pain Management
Parkinson Disease
Pediatrics
Pharmacy Heroes
Pharmacy Management
Pneumococcal
PrEP
Prostate Cancer
Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psychedelics
Reimbursement
Reproductive Health
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Shingles
Skin Cancer
Sleep
Travel Vaccines
Veterinary Pharmacy
Vitamins and Supplements
Weight Management
Women's Health
Events
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Webinars
CE
Resources
Clinical Forum
Cou-Co
Educated Patient
Information for the Pharmacist
Interactive Tools
Partners
Sponsored
Whiteboards
Subscribe
logo
Spotlight
Community/RetailHospitalOncologyPharmacy TechnicianStudent
Clinical Role
Community/RetailHospitalOncologyPharmacy TechnicianSpecialty PharmacyStudent
Clinical
CoronavirusBrain HealthCardiovascular HealthDermatologyDiabetesFluHeart FailureHepatitis/MASHImmunizationMigrainePneumococcalVitamins and Supplements
Supplement Spotlight
October 2023 Pharmacy Technician Edition
All News
FDA Updates
Press Releases
All Videos
Digital Detail
Independent Corner
Insights
Interviews
MEDcast
Medical World News
Microsites
Peer Exchange
Perfect Consult
Podcasts
Practice Pearls
Sponsored Webcast
Student Voices
Webinars/Webcasts
Conference Coverage
Conference Listing
Pharmacy Times
Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Oncology
Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems
Pharmacy Careers
All Publications
About the Publications
Author Submission
Submit to Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Oncology
Submit to Pharmacy Practice in Focus: Health Systems
Become a Peer Reviewer
Supplements & Featured Publications
503B Compounding Pharmacy
ADHD
Allergy
Alzheimer Disease
Anxiety
Asthma
Atopic Dermatitis
Biosimilars
Bipolar Disorder
Brain Health
Breast Cancer
C. Difficile
COPD
COVID-19
Cardiovascular Health
Cervical Cancer
Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholesterol
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Classical Hematology
Colorectal Cancer
Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Cough and Cold
Depression
Dermatology
Diabetes
Digestive Health
Dry Eye Disease
Epilepsy
Eye Care
Flu
Future of Pharmacy
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gastrointestinal Health
Gout
HER2 Breast Cancer
HIV
Heart Failure
Hematology
Hepatitis/MASH
Immunization
Immuno-oncology
Immunoglobulins
Infectious Disease
Lung Cancer
Lymphoma
Macular Degeneration
Mental Health
Migraine
Movement Disorders
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple Sclerosis
Myelofibrosis
Neurology
Neutropenia
Osteoporosis
Ovarian Cancer
Pain Management
Parkinson Disease
Pediatrics
Pharmacy Heroes
Pharmacy Management
Pneumococcal
PrEP
Prostate Cancer
Psoriasis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psychedelics
Reimbursement
Reproductive Health
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Shingles
Skin Cancer
Sleep
Travel Vaccines
Veterinary Pharmacy
Vitamins and Supplements
Weight Management
Women's Health
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Webinars
CE
Clinical Forum
Cou-Co
Educated Patient
Information for the Pharmacist
Interactive Tools
Partners
Sponsored
Whiteboards
Subscribe
Advertisement

CLINICAL ROLE -

Community/Retail
| Hospital
| Oncology
| Pharmacy Technician
| Student

Article

May 28, 2015

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

Author(s):

BUSINESS WIRE

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

PRESS RELEASE

KENILWORTH, N.J. & SEATTLE--(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 in vitro 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 51st 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.

About KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)

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.

About NanoString Technologies, Inc.

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 www.nanostring.com.

Newsletter

Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.

Subscribe Now!
Related Videos
Image credit: Sebastian Kaulitzki | stock.adobe.com
Health and nutrition: the role of glp-1 in diabetes management with apple and syringe - Image credit: Thanayut | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: K KStock | stock.adobe.com
Image credit: komokvm | stock.adobe.com
Vial of Pneumococcal vaccine - Image credit: Bernard Chantal | stock.adobe.com
Vaccine vials used for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) with a syringe - Image credit:  Peter Hansen | stock.adobe.com
Related Content
Advertisement
Illustration of Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV - Image credit: Peter Hansen | stock.adobe.com
June 18th 2025

Study Estimates the Hidden Burden of Adult RSV Hospitalizations

Kennedy Ferruggia, Assistant Editor
Pharmacy Focus: Navigating Seasonal Allergies
May 28th 2025

Pharmacy Focus: Navigating Seasonal Allergies

Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor Derek Webb, PharmD
Aids HIV Virus
June 18th 2025

FDA Approves Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis

Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor
Pharmacists Can Be At the Forefront of Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Management
May 6th 2025

Pharmacists Can Be At the Forefront of Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Management

Aislinn Antrim, Managing Editor Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP
Pneumococcal vaccine in a vial, immunization and treatment of infection
June 18th 2025

Review Demonstrates Impaired Quality of Life in Children With Pneumococcal Disease Despite Variations in Study Methodologies

Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor
Healthcare, pharmacist and woman at counter with medicine or prescription drugs sales at drug store. Health, wellness and medical insurance, black man and customer at pharmacy for advice and pills - Image credit: Clayton D/peopleimages.com | stock.adobe.com
June 18th 2025

Pharmacies Need Strategies to Improve Health Care Access

Jeannette Y. Wick, MBA, RPh, FASCP
Related Content
Advertisement
Illustration of Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV - Image credit: Peter Hansen | stock.adobe.com
June 18th 2025

Study Estimates the Hidden Burden of Adult RSV Hospitalizations

Kennedy Ferruggia, Assistant Editor
Pharmacy Focus: Navigating Seasonal Allergies
May 28th 2025

Pharmacy Focus: Navigating Seasonal Allergies

Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor Derek Webb, PharmD
Aids HIV Virus
June 18th 2025

FDA Approves Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis

Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor
Pharmacists Can Be At the Forefront of Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Management
May 6th 2025

Pharmacists Can Be At the Forefront of Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Management

Aislinn Antrim, Managing Editor Craig Beavers, PharmD, FACC, FAHA, FCCP, BCCP, BCPS-AQ Cardiology, CACP
Pneumococcal vaccine in a vial, immunization and treatment of infection
June 18th 2025

Review Demonstrates Impaired Quality of Life in Children With Pneumococcal Disease Despite Variations in Study Methodologies

Luke Halpern, Assistant Editor
Healthcare, pharmacist and woman at counter with medicine or prescription drugs sales at drug store. Health, wellness and medical insurance, black man and customer at pharmacy for advice and pills - Image credit: Clayton D/peopleimages.com | stock.adobe.com
June 18th 2025

Pharmacies Need Strategies to Improve Health Care Access

Jeannette Y. Wick, MBA, RPh, FASCP
Consent Preferences
About Us
Clinical Forums
Advertise
Contact Us
Editorial Staff
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Do Not Sell My Information
Contact Info

2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512

609-716-7777

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.