Merck KGaA Discontinues Phase III Trials of Xevinapant in Head & Neck Cancer

Merck KGaA announced the discontinuation of its Phase III clinical trials involving xevinapant for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck cancer. The decision affects two studies: TrilynX, which combined xevinapant with platinum-based chemotherapy, and X-Ray Vision, which combined xevinapant with radiotherapy.

The decision came after an interim analysis by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee. The analysis concluded that the trials were unlikely to meet the primary objective of prolonging event-free survival. With the data in hand, Merck KGaA deemed it reasonable to halt both studies.

Xevinapant is still under clinical investigation and not approved for any indication globally. The company has decided to halt further trials to focus on other research and development efforts.