Keytruda Launches Convenient At-Home Injection for Korean Patients
Merck (MSD) has announced that its immunotherapy drug Keytruda will be available in Korea as a subcutaneous injection for at-home administration, starting on October 1. This new formulation allows patients to self-inject the medication in just 1-2 minutes, once every 3 or 6 weeks.
Keytruda is an immuno-oncology drug that was launched by MSD in 2014 and has since become a leading treatment for cancer, with $31.7 billion in sales last year. Initially, the medication was administered intravenously at hospitals, but the new subcutaneous injection will enable patients to receive treatment at home.
The company is reportedly pursuing a strategy of expanding its market share by creating new demand through this new formulation. A company official stated that 'cross-administration of subcutaneous and intravenous injections is also possible.'