Google AI tells us "There are at least seven companies currently developing a biosimilar (generic version of a biologic drug) for Keytruda, with Amgen being one of them. Amgen is also a marketer of other immune-oncology agents, though it does not market a proprietary immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that directly competes with Keytruda on the market."
Samsung Bioepis, Sandoz (Novartis), and Dr. Reddy’s are also developing Keytruda biosimilars, along with other companies I never heard of. While we have been thinking in terms of a partnership with a Big Pharma company that wants to extend patent protection on a proprietary ICI, there are other options with firms that would like to enter or expand their footprint in the cancer space. Samsung, Novartis, and Amgen sure fit the bill as far as deep pockets and the infrastructure for developing and marketing a cutting-edge cancer combo... with half the treatment being a generic to make it affordable (which I'm thinking Dr Lalezari would appreciate).
This would, of course, take a big bite out of Merck's current dominance in the cancer space. Merck's been the great white shark of the pharma seas for quite awhile now... certainly in the cancer swells. But in the South Atlantic, off the South African coast, the orcas are figuring it out. Groups of them now regularly hunt great whites and devour their livers (apparently very nutrient dense), leaving the carcass for the fishes. If I were Cytodyn I'd be swimming with the orcas these days. They work well in groups, and take care of their own. Merck had best watch out...
Amgen initiated a Phase 3 study of their Keytruda biosimilar, named ABP, in May of 2024. Looks like leverage to me... Bottle of Chianti, anyone?
Samsung Bioepis, Sandoz (Novartis), and Dr. Reddy’s are also developing Keytruda biosimilars, along with other companies I never heard of. While we have been thinking in terms of a partnership with a Big Pharma company that wants to extend patent protection on a proprietary ICI, there are other options with firms that would like to enter or expand their footprint in the cancer space. Samsung, Novartis, and Amgen sure fit the bill as far as deep pockets and the infrastructure for developing and marketing a cutting-edge cancer combo... with half the treatment being a generic to make it affordable (which I'm thinking Dr Lalezari would appreciate).
This would, of course, take a big bite out of Merck's current dominance in the cancer space. Merck's been the great white shark of the pharma seas for quite awhile now... certainly in the cancer swells. But in the South Atlantic, off the South African coast, the orcas are figuring it out. Groups of them now regularly hunt great whites and devour their livers (apparently very nutrient dense), leaving the carcass for the fishes. If I were Cytodyn I'd be swimming with the orcas these days. They work well in groups, and take care of their own. Merck had best watch out...
Amgen initiated a Phase 3 study of their Keytruda biosimilar, named ABP, in May of 2024. Looks like leverage to me... Bottle of Chianti, anyone?
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