Overview
- Inhibrx, which drew buyer interest reported Wednesday from Merck & Co., Merck KGaA and Ono, saw its shares climb about 40% after the Reuters story.
- The company is evaluating a joint spin-off that would package INBRX-106 with ozekibart, with sources saying the bundle could exceed $9 billion if studies succeed and stressing that talks remain early.
- INBRX-106 is an antibody that activates T cells to spur an immune attack on tumors, and it is being tested alone and with Merck’s Keytruda in advanced head and neck cancers.
- Source-cited interim figures from more than half of roughly 60 combo-trial patients suggest overall response rates near 45% versus about 30% for Keytruda alone, with Inhibrx planning an interim update next month.
- Ozekibart secured FDA fast track and orphan designations on Wednesday for oncology use, and one source said the company is expected to disclose a filing for approval.