Merck's PD-1/VEGF Data Highlights AACR 2026 Conference, Potentially Reshaping Cancer Treatment
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2026 conference in San Diego is showcasing significant developments in cancer research, with Merck's PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody MK-2010 taking center stage. Merck licensed this antibody from LaNova Medicines for $588 million, aiming to compete with existing treatments like ivonescimab, Pfizer's offerings, and others. The conference features updates on promising RAS inhibitors, zoldonrasib and elisrasib, targeting KRAS mutations in non-small cell lung cancer. Revolution Medicines and D3 Bio are presenting data on these inhibitors, which could lead to multiple approved targeted treatments for RAS mutant cancers. The event also highlights advancements in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and degrader-antibody conjugates (DACs), with companies like CSPC Pharmaceutical and Helioson Pharmaceutical sharing data on innovative therapies. 
