Welcome to our dedicated page for Merus N.V. Common Shares news (Ticker: MRUS), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Merus N.V. Common Shares stock.
Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) is a clinical-stage immuno-oncology company focused on creating innovative therapies to treat and potentially cure cancer. At the heart of Merus' approach is its proprietary Biclonics® and Triclonics® technology platforms, which generate full-length human bispecific and trispecific antibodies. These advanced therapeutics are designed to engage the immune system to kill tumor cells and inhibit tumor cell growth pathways simultaneously.
Core Business
Merus' core business revolves around the discovery and development of bispecific antibody therapeutics. Their flagship technology, Biclonics®, can attack tumors in multiple ways, making them highly effective against various cancer types. The company’s portfolio includes several promising candidates, such as MCLA-128, which targets HER2 and HER3 receptors in gastric and breast cancers; MCLA-117, targeting AML; MCLA-158 (petosemtamab), focused on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; and MCLA-145, developed for solid tumors.
Latest Achievements and News
As of May 2024, Merus has received the FDA's Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) for petosemtamab in treating patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that has progressed after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. This significant milestone is based on the promising data from the ongoing phase 1/2 trial of petosemtamab as a monotherapy, showing substantial improvement in clinically significant endpoints. Furthermore, Merus has announced plans to initiate a phase 3 trial in mid-2024 to evaluate the combination of petosemtamab and pembrolizumab in previously untreated patients.
Additionally, Merus revealed the acceptance of abstracts for MCLA-145 and MCLA-129 at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting. These presentations highlighted the clinical activity of MCLA-145 in advanced solid tumors and the efficacy of MCLA-129 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Financial Condition and Partnerships
Merus has a solid financial foundation, bolstered by strategic partnerships and collaborations. Notably, Merus collaborates with Betta Pharmaceuticals to develop MCLA-129 in China while retaining global rights outside China. The company’s financial strategy includes advancing its clinical development programs and supporting preclinical research and technology development through successful capital raises.
About Merus N.V.
Merus N.V. is dedicated to the development of multispecific antibody therapeutics, referred to as Multiclonics®. These therapeutics have been observed in preclinical and clinical studies to exhibit the same features as conventional human monoclonal antibodies, including long half-life and low immunogenicity. For more information, visit Merus’ official website, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Merus (NASDAQ: MRUS) has initiated dosing in a Phase 2 trial evaluating petosemtamab as a monotherapy for heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients who have received 3 or more lines of therapy. The open-label trial will assess the safety and antitumor activity of petosemtamab, a Biclonics® antibody targeting EGFR and LGR5, in patients who have previously received anti-EGFR therapy and lack certain mutations (KRAS, NRAS) as detected by ctDNA NGS testing. The drug was discovered through screening over 500 bispecific antibodies and has shown superior activity compared to cetuximab in preclinical CRC models.
Merus (MRUS) presented interim clinical data for petosemtamab in treating recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Key findings include:
- In the 1500 mg Q2W cohort (75 evaluable patients): 36% confirmed overall response rate, including 4 complete responses, with median duration of response of 6.2 months and overall survival of 11.4 months
- In the 1100 mg Q2W cohort (27 evaluable patients): 19% overall response rate, including 2 complete responses
The drug showed a manageable safety profile with infusion-related reactions primarily occurring on day 1 of cycle 1. Clinical trials are ongoing, including phase 3 studies in HNSCC and expanded evaluation in metastatic colorectal cancer, with additional data updates planned for 2025.
Merus (NASDAQ: MRUS) announced FDA approval of BIZENGRI® (zenocutuzumab-zbco), the first and only treatment for adults with NRG1+ pancreatic adenocarcinoma and NRG1+ non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that are advanced unresectable or metastatic. The approval is based on the eNRGy trial results showing a 40% overall response rate in pancreatic cancer patients and 33% in NSCLC patients.
The drug demonstrated duration of response ranging from 3.7 to 16.6 months in pancreatic cancer and a median of 7.4 months in NSCLC. The approval is under accelerated approval pathway, contingent upon confirmatory trials. BIZENGRI® is expected to be available to patients in the coming weeks, with PTx Assist™ program providing patient support.
Merus N.V. (MRUS) has entered into an exclusive license agreement with Partner Therapeutics (PTx) for the U.S. commercialization of zenocutuzumab (Zeno) in NRG1 fusion-positive cancer treatment. PTx will assume full U.S. commercialization rights after a transition period. Merus will receive an upfront payment plus potential milestone payments and high single-digit to low double-digit royalties based on future U.S. sales. Zeno's Biologics License Application is currently under FDA review for treating previously treated NRG1+ non-small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, with potential to be the first targeted therapy for these conditions.
Merus (MRUS) announced updated clinical data for petosemtamab in treating recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/m HNSCC). As of November 2023, among 54 patients treated with 1500mg Q2W, 47 were evaluable showing a 40.4% response rate with 7.2 months median duration of response and 12.5 months median overall survival. In a dose comparison study as of March 2024, the 1500mg dose showed stronger efficacy with 5 responses (including 1 complete response) in 12 evaluable patients, compared to 1 confirmed response in 10 patients at 1100mg. The treatment was well-tolerated at both doses with no grade 5 adverse events reported.
Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS), a clinical-stage oncology company specializing in multispecific antibodies, has announced its participation in two upcoming investor conferences. Bill Lundberg, M.D., President and CEO, will participate in a fireside chat at the Guggenheim Securities Healthcare Innovation Conference on Tuesday, November 12 at 9:30 a.m. ET and at the Stifel 2024 Healthcare Conference on Monday, November 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Both presentations will be available via webcast on the company's website's Investors page, with archived versions accessible for a time afterward.
Merus announced that the FDA has extended the PDUFA goal date for zenocutuzumab (Zeno) Biologics License Application, currently under priority review. The new PDUFA date is February 4, 2025, allowing time to review recently submitted CMC information. No additional clinical data were requested. The company emphasizes that securing a commercialization partnership is important for making Zeno available to NRG1+ cancer patients, pending approval.
Merus N.V. (NASDAQ: MRUS) reported Q3 2024 financial results and business updates. The company's phase 3 trials for petosemtamab in head and neck cancer are progressing, with clinical data updates expected at ESMO Asia in December 2024. The FDA has accepted Zeno BLA for priority review in NRG1+ NSCLC and PDAC cancer. Financial highlights include $782.9 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, expected to fund operations into 2028. Q3 collaboration revenue increased by $0.8 million year-over-year, while R&D expenses increased by $26.5 million and G&A expenses rose by $8.2 million.
Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) has announced the dosing of the first patient in its phase 3 trial called LiGeR-HN1. This trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of petosemtamab, a Biclonics® targeting EGFR and LGR5, in combination with pembrolizumab, compared to pembrolizumab alone as first-line therapy for patients with PD-L1+ recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/m HNSCC).
The company has received confirmation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that petosemtamab 1500 mg every two weeks is appropriate for further development in HNSCC as monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab. Merus' CEO, Bill Lundberg, expressed confidence in petosemtamab's potential to become a new standard of care across r/m HNSCC and possibly beyond, based on strong phase 2 clinical data.
Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) announced the acceptance of an abstract on petosemtamab, their Biclonics® antibody targeting EGFR and LGR5, for presentation at the ESMO® Asia Congress 2024. The presentation will focus on interim clinical data of petosemtamab monotherapy in previously treated (2L+) recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (r/m HNSCC).
Key points:
- Presentation scheduled for December 7, 2024, at 3:25-3:30 p.m. SGT
- Updated efficacy, durability, and safety data will be presented
- Previous data showed a 37% response rate among 43 evaluable patients
- FDA feedback confirmed 1500 mg every two weeks as appropriate for further development
- Two phase 3 trials are ongoing or planned: LiGeR-HN2 (2/3L) and LiGeR-HN1 (1L in combination with pembrolizumab)
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