Merck Data at ASCO 2019 Showcase Multiple Innovative Molecules with Potential to Impact Unmet Needs in Cancer Care

Darmstadt, Germany (ots/PRNewswire) -

Not intended for UK- , Canada- or US-based media

ASCO Abstract # Bintrafusp alfa (bifunctional fusion protein):

TPS9114; Tepotinib (MET kinase inhibitor): 9005; Discovery: 2567;
ERBITUX® (cetuximab): 3580; BAVENCIO® (avelumab): 9569; 101; 4552;
4072

- New biomarker analyses for BAVENCIO®* (avelumab) in combination
with axitinib in first-line renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Data presented across several modalities and mechanisms showcase
the scientific innovation and diversity of the company's pipeline,
which includes bintrafusp alfa? (M7824) and tepotinib?

Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced
that data across several modalities and mechanisms targeting
difficult-to-treat cancers will be presented at the 2019 American
Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, May 31-June 4,
Chicago, IL, US. New data will be presented for BAVENCIO®* (avelumab)
and ERBITUX® (cetuximab), including rational combinations with
chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other targeted agents to try to
identify new ways to improve patient outcomes. This includes an oral
presentation of data defining biomarkers that differentiate
therapy-specific outcomes in patients with advanced renal cell
carcinoma (RCC), and who have been treated first-line with BAVENCIO®
(avelumab) in combination with axitinib. Abstracts also showcase the
scientific innovation and diversity of Merck's pipeline, with results
from a number of high-priority clinical development programs,
including tepotinib?, bintrafusp alfa? (M7824) and the company's
comprehensive DNA Damage Response (DDR) portfolio.

"At this year's ASCO meeting we continue to demonstrate the
breadth and depth of our oncology and immuno-oncology portfolio. We
will present examples of the latest precision medicine and biomarker
research and some of the most exciting mechanisms being investigated
today, including tepotinib and our first-in-class bifunctional fusion
protein immunotherapy, bintrafusp alfa," said Luciano Rossetti,
Global Head of Research & Development for the Biopharma business of
Merck. "Merck's oncology pipeline has significant promise in the near
term through our late-stage priority programs, and our early pipeline
includes several potentially groundbreaking modalities. We look
forward to sharing the latest science with the global oncology
community."

For BAVENCIO® (avelumab), Merck will share data from five studies
across tumor types including Merkel cell carcinoma, RCC,
hepatocellular carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma. This includes an