Immunotherapy-specialist Hookipa Pharma (NSDQ:HOOK) has announced a clinical collaboration and supply agreement with Merck (NYSE:MRK). Hookipa will test its immunotherapeutic HB-200 in conjunction with Merck’s blockbuster anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), as first-line treatment for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Last year, Merck raked in $14.5 billion in sales revenue from Keytruda.
“There remains considerable unmet treatment need for people with metastatic head and neck cancers, and we believe the combination of HB-200 and Keytruda may offer hope,” said Joern Aldag, Hookipa CEO, in a statement.
Hookipa reports that the company has seen early success with combining Keytruda and HB-200 in heavily pre-treated patients.
The company plans on launching a Phase 2 trialing the combination of HB-200 with Keytruda in 2022.
The company is developing a range of novel arenaviral immunotherapies for oncology and infectious diseases.
After announcing the Merck collaboration, HOOK shares ticked up 1.37% apiece to $6.30.