Merck, NanoString Collaborate To Develop Immune-Related Gene Expression Assay

(RTTNews) - Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) and NanoString Technologies Inc. (NSTG) announced a clinical research collaboration to develop an assay that will optimize immune-related gene expression signatures and evaluate the potential to predict benefit from Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA or pembrolizumab, in multiple tumor types.

The collaboration between NanoString Technologies, Inc., a provider of life science tools for translational research and molecular diagnostic products, and Merck, through a subsidiary, will utilize NanoString's nCounter Analysis System to optimize gene expression signatures as part of the clinical development program for KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. By binding to the PD-1 receptor and blocking the interaction with the receptor ligands, KEYTRUDA releases the PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response.