Due to an anticipated trial failure, Merck & Co. is terminating late-stage research using the combination of Lynparza and Keytruda in certain patients with lung cancer.

Based on the decision of an independent data monitoring committee, the Rahway, N.J.-based manufacturer announced that it is discontinuing the Phase 3 trial for futility. The patients in the trial had metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer, and the drugmaker was assessing Keytruda in combination with maintenance Lynparza.

As per Merck's third interim study analysis, Keytruda plus chemotherapy followed by Keytruda plus Lynparza did not show an improvement in overall survival, which was one of the dual primary endpoints of the study, when compared to Keytruda plus chemotherapy followed by Keytruda plus placebo.

The other dual primary endpoint of the study, which assessed the length of time the patient lived without their illness getting worse, was not statistically significant at the second interim analysis.

Keytruda is a cancer medication that uses a patient's immune system to fight tumors. Merck is researching it in a number of trials that cover a broad range of cancer types and treatment scenarios. The business collaborates with AstraZeneca to develop and market Lynparza.