Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Prelude Therapeutics ( NASDAQ: PRLD ) has forged a deal with Merck ( NYSE: MRK ) to test its investigational SMARCA2 degrader in combination with the latter’s blockbuster anti-PD-1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in patients with SMARCA4-mutated cancers. Shares of Prelude Therapeutics ( PRLD ) climbed as much as 28% following the news. Pursuant to the deal, Merck ( MRK ) will provide Keytruda to Prelude ( PRLD ), which will sponsor a Phase 2 clinical combination trial to evaluate its “PRT3789” SMARCA2 degrader in combination with Keytruda in patients harboring a SMARCA4 mutation.
Prelude ( PRLD ) and Merck ( MRK ) will each retain all commercial rights to their respective compounds, including as monotherapy or as combination therapies. PRT3789 is a highly selective, first-in-class SMARCA2 degrader, currently in Phase 1 clinical development in biomarker selected SMARCA4 mutant patients. Enrollment remains on track, and the company expects to conclude monotherapy dose escalation mid-2024 and identify a recommended Phase 2 dose.
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