You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: December 20, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR KEYTRUDA


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


Biosimilar Clinical Trials for KEYTRUDA

This table shows clinical trials for biosimilars. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT05668650 ↗ Double-blind Study to Evaluate the PK, Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of MB12 Versus Keytruda® in Stage IV NSCLC Not yet recruiting Syneos Health Phase 3 2023-03-01 This is a randomized, multicenter, multinational, double-blind, and parallel-group study to evaluate the PK, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of MB12 (proposed pembrolizumab biosimilar) versus Keytruda® in subjects with newly diagnosed stage IV non-squamous NSCLC. This study is planned to be conducted in approximately 48 sites in 7 countries, a total of 174 subjects will be enrolled. Eligible subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive MB12 or Keytruda® at a dose of 200 mg every 3 weeks. Subjects will be stratified by gender (male versus female) and ECOG status (0 versus 1) as both factors are considered to have the potential to influence PK properties of pembrolizumab to some extent. The study will consist of 2 periods defined as follows: - Main Study Period from Screening up to Cycle 6 included. - Extended Treatment Period from Cycle 7 up to Week 52 for those subjects who demonstrate clinical benefit from the treatment (complete response [CR], partial response [PR], and stable disease [SD]). They will continue treatment until disease progression, intolerance to the study drug, treatment discontinuation for other reason, or up to Week 52, whichever occurs first. A Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will assess the safety data periodically and will recommend to the sponsor whether to continue, modify, or stop the trial on the basis of safety considerations. After the first 10 subjects have received at least 2 cycles of treatment, the DSMB will review the accumulated safety data, and the first meeting will take place. Subsequent meetings will be performed as per the DSMB charter.
NCT05668650 ↗ Double-blind Study to Evaluate the PK, Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of MB12 Versus Keytruda® in Stage IV NSCLC Not yet recruiting Laboratorio Elea Phoenix S.A. Phase 3 2023-03-01 This is a randomized, multicenter, multinational, double-blind, and parallel-group study to evaluate the PK, efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of MB12 (proposed pembrolizumab biosimilar) versus Keytruda® in subjects with newly diagnosed stage IV non-squamous NSCLC. This study is planned to be conducted in approximately 48 sites in 7 countries, a total of 174 subjects will be enrolled. Eligible subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive MB12 or Keytruda® at a dose of 200 mg every 3 weeks. Subjects will be stratified by gender (male versus female) and ECOG status (0 versus 1) as both factors are considered to have the potential to influence PK properties of pembrolizumab to some extent. The study will consist of 2 periods defined as follows: - Main Study Period from Screening up to Cycle 6 included. - Extended Treatment Period from Cycle 7 up to Week 52 for those subjects who demonstrate clinical benefit from the treatment (complete response [CR], partial response [PR], and stable disease [SD]). They will continue treatment until disease progression, intolerance to the study drug, treatment discontinuation for other reason, or up to Week 52, whichever occurs first. A Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will assess the safety data periodically and will recommend to the sponsor whether to continue, modify, or stop the trial on the basis of safety considerations. After the first 10 subjects have received at least 2 cycles of treatment, the DSMB will review the accumulated safety data, and the first meeting will take place. Subsequent meetings will be performed as per the DSMB charter.
NCT06153238 ↗ A PK Study to Compare GME751 (Proposed Pembrolizumab Biosimilar) and US-licensed and EU-authorized Keytruda® in Participants With Stage II and III Melanoma Recruiting Sandoz Phase 1 2024-05-15 The purpose of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity and efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of GME751 compared with Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) in subjects with resected advanced melanoma requiring adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for KEYTRUDA

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT01822652 ↗ 3rd Generation GD-2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor and iCaspase Suicide Safety Switch, Neuroblastoma, GRAIN Active, not recruiting Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine Phase 1 2013-08-01 Subjects that have relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma are invited to take part in this gene transfer research study. We have found from previous research that we can put a new gene called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into T cells that will make them recognize neuroblastoma cells and kill them. In a previous clinical trial, we used a CAR that recognizes GD2, a protein found on almost all neuroblastoma cells (GD2-CAR). We put this gene into T cells and gave them back to patients that had neuroblastoma. The infusions were safe and in patients with disease at the time of their infusion, the time to progression was longer if we could find GD2 T cells in their blood for more than 6 weeks. Because of this, we think that if T cells are able to last longer, they may have a better chance of killing neuroblastoma tumor cells. Therefore, in this study we will add new genes to the GD2 T cells that can cause the cells to live longer. These new genes are called CD28 and OX40. The purpose of this study will be to determine the highest dose of iC9-GD2-CD28-OX40 (iC9-GD2) T cells that can safely be given to patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. In other clinical studies using T cells, some investigators found that giving chemotherapy before the T cell infusion can improve the amount of time the T cells stay in the body and therefore the effect the T cells can have. This is called lymphodepletion and we think that it will allow the T cells we infuse to expand and stay longer in the body, and potentially kill cancer cells more effectively. The chemotherapy we will use for lymphodepletion is a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Additionally, to effectively kill the tumor cells, it is important that the T cells are able to survive and expand in the tumor. Recent studies have shown that solid tumors release a substance (PD1) that can inhibit T cells after they arrive into the tumor tissue. In an attempt to overcome the effect of PD1 in neuroblastoma we will also give a medication called pembrolizumab.
NCT01822652 ↗ 3rd Generation GD-2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor and iCaspase Suicide Safety Switch, Neuroblastoma, GRAIN Active, not recruiting Kids Cancer Research Foundation Phase 1 2013-08-01 Subjects that have relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma are invited to take part in this gene transfer research study. We have found from previous research that we can put a new gene called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into T cells that will make them recognize neuroblastoma cells and kill them. In a previous clinical trial, we used a CAR that recognizes GD2, a protein found on almost all neuroblastoma cells (GD2-CAR). We put this gene into T cells and gave them back to patients that had neuroblastoma. The infusions were safe and in patients with disease at the time of their infusion, the time to progression was longer if we could find GD2 T cells in their blood for more than 6 weeks. Because of this, we think that if T cells are able to last longer, they may have a better chance of killing neuroblastoma tumor cells. Therefore, in this study we will add new genes to the GD2 T cells that can cause the cells to live longer. These new genes are called CD28 and OX40. The purpose of this study will be to determine the highest dose of iC9-GD2-CD28-OX40 (iC9-GD2) T cells that can safely be given to patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. In other clinical studies using T cells, some investigators found that giving chemotherapy before the T cell infusion can improve the amount of time the T cells stay in the body and therefore the effect the T cells can have. This is called lymphodepletion and we think that it will allow the T cells we infuse to expand and stay longer in the body, and potentially kill cancer cells more effectively. The chemotherapy we will use for lymphodepletion is a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Additionally, to effectively kill the tumor cells, it is important that the T cells are able to survive and expand in the tumor. Recent studies have shown that solid tumors release a substance (PD1) that can inhibit T cells after they arrive into the tumor tissue. In an attempt to overcome the effect of PD1 in neuroblastoma we will also give a medication called pembrolizumab.
NCT01822652 ↗ 3rd Generation GD-2 Chimeric Antigen Receptor and iCaspase Suicide Safety Switch, Neuroblastoma, GRAIN Active, not recruiting Kids' Cancer Research Foundation Phase 1 2013-08-01 Subjects that have relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma are invited to take part in this gene transfer research study. We have found from previous research that we can put a new gene called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into T cells that will make them recognize neuroblastoma cells and kill them. In a previous clinical trial, we used a CAR that recognizes GD2, a protein found on almost all neuroblastoma cells (GD2-CAR). We put this gene into T cells and gave them back to patients that had neuroblastoma. The infusions were safe and in patients with disease at the time of their infusion, the time to progression was longer if we could find GD2 T cells in their blood for more than 6 weeks. Because of this, we think that if T cells are able to last longer, they may have a better chance of killing neuroblastoma tumor cells. Therefore, in this study we will add new genes to the GD2 T cells that can cause the cells to live longer. These new genes are called CD28 and OX40. The purpose of this study will be to determine the highest dose of iC9-GD2-CD28-OX40 (iC9-GD2) T cells that can safely be given to patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. In other clinical studies using T cells, some investigators found that giving chemotherapy before the T cell infusion can improve the amount of time the T cells stay in the body and therefore the effect the T cells can have. This is called lymphodepletion and we think that it will allow the T cells we infuse to expand and stay longer in the body, and potentially kill cancer cells more effectively. The chemotherapy we will use for lymphodepletion is a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine. Additionally, to effectively kill the tumor cells, it is important that the T cells are able to survive and expand in the tumor. Recent studies have shown that solid tumors release a substance (PD1) that can inhibit T cells after they arrive into the tumor tissue. In an attempt to overcome the effect of PD1 in neuroblastoma we will also give a medication called pembrolizumab.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for KEYTRUDA

Condition Name

Condition Name for KEYTRUDA
Intervention Trials
Melanoma 49
Breast Cancer 38
Non-small Cell Lung Cancer 38
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for KEYTRUDA
Intervention Trials
Carcinoma 194
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung 118
Lung Neoplasms 101
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for KEYTRUDA

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for KEYTRUDA
Location Trials
Spain 93
China 89
Australia 75
Canada 73
Japan 61
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for KEYTRUDA
Location Trials
California 180
Texas 161
New York 105
Massachusetts 97
Florida 96
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for KEYTRUDA

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for KEYTRUDA
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE3 13
PHASE2 8
PHASE1 11
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for KEYTRUDA
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Recruiting 326
Not yet recruiting 151
Active, not recruiting 142
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for KEYTRUDA

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for KEYTRUDA
Sponsor Trials
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. 307
National Cancer Institute (NCI) 142
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center 45
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for KEYTRUDA
Sponsor Trials
Other 771
Industry 725
NIH 143
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for KEYTRUDA

Last updated: November 10, 2025

Introduction

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), developed by Merck & Co., Inc., revolutionized oncology with its immune checkpoint inhibitor mechanism targeting PD-1 (programmed death-1). Since its FDA approval in 2014 for melanoma, KEYTRUDA has expanded to over 30 indications, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone in cancer immunotherapy. This analysis offers a comprehensive update on ongoing and upcoming clinical trials, evaluates current market dynamics, and provides future projections based on recent data.

Clinical Trials Update

Ongoing and Upcoming Trials

Merck maintains an aggressive clinical development pipeline for KEYTRUDA, emphasizing its role across various cancer types. As of 2023, over 1,500 clinical trials globally evaluate KEYTRUDA, with key areas including:

  • Lung Cancer: Trials (NCT04555988, NCT04538646) are assessing combinations with targeted agents and immunotherapies to enhance efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Notably, KEYTRUDA combined with chemotherapy remains standard for first-line NSCLC, with ongoing trials exploring its role in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (NCT04681684).

  • Melanoma: New studies, such as NCT04559404, evaluate prolonged adjuvant therapy and combine KEYTRUDA with novel agents to prevent relapse.

  • Head and Neck Cancers: Trials like NCT05559682 investigate neoadjuvant protocols in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

  • Hematologic Malignancies: Early-phase trials are exploring combinations of KEYTRUDA with CAR-T therapies, aiming to extend its scope to hematologic cancers.

Key Clinical Trial Outcomes

Recent pivotal trials bolster KEYTRUDA's expanding indication portfolio:

  • KEYNOTE-189 (NSCLC): Demonstrated significant survival benefit when combining KEYTRUDA with platinum-based chemotherapy in non-squamous NSCLC, leading to its approval for first-line therapy.

  • KEYNOTE-177 (MSI-H/dMMR Colorectal Cancer): Showed improved progression-free survival over chemotherapy, leading to FDA approval in this subset.

  • KEYNOTE-048 (Head & Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Showed overall survival improvements with KEYTRUDA monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy.

Ongoing trials aim to optimize dosing, combination strategies (with targeted therapies, chemotherapy, radiation), and identify predictive biomarkers to tailor treatments better.

Market Analysis

Current Market Landscape

The global oncology drug market, valued at approximately $179 billion in 2022, underscores the significant economic impact of immunotherapies like KEYTRUDA[1]. Merck’s vaccine to immunotherapy conversion positions KEYTRUDA as an industry leader, commanding an estimated $22 billion USD revenue in 2022, representing roughly 12% of Merck's total sales.

Key Competitive Landscape

KEYTRUDA’s primary competitors include:

  • Opdivo (nivolumab, Bristol-Myers Squibb): Holds leading positions, especially for melanoma and lung cancers.
  • Libtayo (cemiplimab, Regeneron): Gaining traction in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
  • Imfinzi (durvalumab, AstraZeneca): Focused on thoracic and bladder cancers.

Merck’s robust indication expansion and combination strategies sustain its competitive advantage amidst patent cliffs and pipeline diversification.

Market Drivers

  • Expanding Indications: Approval across multiple cancers fuels revenue growth.
  • Combination Therapies: Synergy with chemotherapy, targeted agents, and novel immunotherapies enhances market penetration.
  • Biomarker Development: Improved patient stratification increases treatment efficacy, broadening patient pools.

Market Challenges

  • Pricing and Reimbursement Policies: Rising healthcare costs may constrain adoption in certain regions.
  • Competition and Biosimilars: Although biosimilars are not yet prevalent for monoclonal antibodies like KEYTRUDA, upcoming low-cost competitors could erode market share.
  • Side-effect Management: Immune-related adverse events necessitate vigilant management, impacting treatment algorithms.

Regional Market Insights

  • United States: Largest market, driven by high patient prevalence and reimbursement robustness.
  • Europe: Rapid adoption, though reliant on national health policies.
  • Asia-Pacific: Fastest growth, propelled by increasing cancer incidence and expanding healthcare infrastructure. China alone accounts for over 28% of global cancer cases[2], representing a significant future revenue stream.

Future Market Projections

Revenue Forecasts

Consulting analytics predict that KEYTRUDA’s global sales will reach $30-35 billion annually by 2025, driven by:

  • Expanded Labeling: Anticipated approvals in gastric, bladder, and prostate cancers.
  • Combination Regimens: Including KEYTRUDA with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and novel agents.
  • Biomarker-Driven Treatments: PD-L1 expression testing refines patient selection and treatment efficacy.

Pipeline Impact and Market Penetration

The investigational pipeline, especially in adjuvant settings and earlier stages of cancer, holds potential to secure additional approvals and extend market leadership:

  • Early-stage Cancer Treatments: Trials targeting high-risk early-stage tumors could open new markets.
  • Biosimilar Competition: While no biosimilars currently threaten KEYTRUDA, upcoming generic or biosimilar versions might reduce prices and pressure margins by late 2020s.

Geographical Expansion

Emerging markets, especially in Asia and Latin America, are expected to account for over 40% of incremental sales growth. Merck's strategic partnerships, clinical trial investments, and local manufacturing will be instrumental in capturing these markets.

Regulatory Outlook

The FDA and EMA continue to approve KEYTRUDA for additional indications. Future approvals, such as for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and urethelial carcinoma, are anticipated, contingent on positive Phase III trial results.

Conclusion

KEYTRUDA remains a trailblazing immunotherapy with expanding clinical applications and promising market growth. Its robust clinical pipeline, strategic combination strategies, and broadening geographic reach position it for sustained revenue expansion through 2025 and beyond. Continued investment in biomarker development, combination regimens, and emerging indications will be crucial to maintaining its market dominance amid intensifying competition.


Key Takeaways

  • Ongoing clinical trials reinforce KEYTRUDA’s role across multiple cancer types, with particular emphasis on lung, melanoma, and head & neck cancers.
  • The drug maintained its lead in the immuno-oncology market, generating over $22 billion in 2022, with expected growth to $30-35 billion by 2025.
  • Market expansion hinges on regulatory approvals, emerging indications, and successful integration of combination therapies.
  • Competitive pressures, pricing debates, and biosimilar developments pose future challenges; however, Merck’s pipeline and geographic strategies mitigate these risks.
  • The Asia-Pacific region offers significant growth potential, driven by rising cancer incidence and healthcare investment.

FAQs

  1. What are the latest clinical trial developments for KEYTRUDA?
    Recent pivotal trials, such as KEYNOTE-177 and KEYNOTE-048, strengthened KEYTRUDA’s indications in colorectal and head & neck cancers. Ongoing studies are exploring combinations with targeted therapies in NSCLC and SCLC, as well as adjuvant therapies in melanoma.

  2. Which cancer indications have shown the most significant growth for KEYTRUDA?
    Lung cancer, melanoma, and head & neck cancers remain the leading indications. Notably, KEYTRUDA’s success in non-small cell lung cancer has driven substantial revenue growth with ongoing trials aiming to expand in small cell lung cancer.

  3. What are the main competitors to KEYTRUDA in the immunotherapy market?
    Opdivo (nivolumab) and Libtayo (cemiplimab) are the primary competitors, with the latter gaining ground in skin cancers. AstraZeneca's Imfinzi is also a notable rival, especially in thoracic cancers.

  4. What is the outlook for KEYTRUDA’s market share in emerging economies?
    Strong growth prospects exist, particularly in China and other Asian markets. Strategic collaborations and localized manufacturing are expected to facilitate broader access, contributing to double-digit revenue increases.

  5. How might future biosimilar entrants impact KEYTRUDA sales?
    While biosimilars for monoclonal antibodies are still developing, their emergence could lower prices and erode market share in the late 2020s. Merck’s continued innovation and pipeline diversification aim to offset potential biosimilar competition.


References

[1] IQVIA, “Global Oncology Market Analysis,” 2022.
[2] World Health Organization, “Cancer Fact Sheets,” 2022.

More… ↓

⤷  Get Started Free

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.