OncoSec Stock Jumps On Anti-Cancer Gene Therapy Trial Collaboration With Merck In Melanoma

OncoSec Medical Inc (NASDAQ:ONCS) will evaluate its DNA-plasmid interleukin-12 (IL-12) TAVO (tavokinogene telseplasmid) with Merck & Co Inc's (NYSE:MRK) Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in KEYNOTE-C87 Phase 3 trial.
The planned trial will evaluate the overall survival of patients treated with the TAVO / Keytruda combination versus standard of care in late-stage patients with metastatic melanoma who are refractory to immune checkpoint therapy.
Under the terms of the Agreement, each party will be responsible for its internal costs, with OncoSec covering third-party expenses.
KEYNOTE-C87 intends to enroll approximately 400 patients.
TAVO has received FDA Fast Track designation as an anti-cancer gene therapy that expresses IL-12 to treat metastatic melanoma, following progression on Keytruda or Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's (NYSE:BMY) Opdivo (nivolumab).
Price Action: ONCS shares are up 24.37% at $3.47 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.