Merck's Cancer Drug KEYTRUDA QLEX Approved in Japan for Rapid Subcutaneous Administration

Merck's cancer treatment drug KEYTRUDA QLEX has been approved by Japan for subcutaneous administration, allowing healthcare providers to administer it in as little as one minute. The approval was based on Phase 3 clinical trial data that showed comparable pharmacokinetic exposure levels between KEYTRUDA QLEX and the traditional intravenous form of KEYTRUDA.

The drug is a fixed-combination product of pembrolizumab, an anti-PD-1 therapy, and berahyaluronidase alfa, which enhances dispersion and permeability to enable subcutaneous administration. It can be administered every three weeks or every six weeks, offering patients more flexibility in their treatment regimen.

The approval marks a significant milestone for patients and healthcare providers in Japan, who will now have access to this convenient and rapid form of cancer treatment. Merck's commitment to advancing patient-centered care options is evident in the development of KEYTRUDA QLEX.