RE:RE:RE:Pfizer or Roche as jv partners for the NMIBC
thadeush wrote: I know nothing, but it seems pretty clear that TLD1433 is MILES ahead of BCG as a more effective and more convenient treatment so whoever buys it WILL knock BCG out. All of them have the money, but Merck has the most to lose and so may be the most motivated. I bet Merck will make a big play to get TLD1433, if only to save its own azz.
Merck certainly has the most to lose & a lot to gain. From Merck's standpoint , BCG as a stand-alone treatment for higher-risk NMIBC was never a big profit-maker (due to manufacturing costs/logistical reasons). However, the treatment landscape has been rapidly changing in the past year. Looking at recently approved entrants Keytruda (19% durable response) & Adstiladrin (23% durable response) as stand-alone options & the new combo options on the horizon (examples: BCG + N-803 & BCG + Keytruda), BCG's role/use will simply evolve in the near future, but not disappear imo.
Merck is obviously hoping Keytruda + BCG will win the combo wars, which will likely get more heated until a miracle stand-alone option comes knocking...don't have to say it ; ). But even if we prove significantly superior as a stand-alone, I expect there will also be a combo study performed at some point using BCG with our ACT/drug. Generally speaking, the primary success-limiting factors for combo treatments are their side effects/toxicity &/or cost...not their efficacy.
I therefore don't see a complete KO of BCG, except maybe as a stand-alone treatment. If I were Merck, I'd take my time building that new BCG manufacturing facility in the US, because I may have to modify its plans. Merck is well aware of our drug (their subsidiary produces it) as well as the other approved options & those on the FDA horizon, & they shouldn't forget to consider making some construction changes stateside for what appears to be the next new promising drug/tech...one that not only addresses one of the most expensive cancers to treat, but a drug/tech that could be part of an existing sales/distribution network in a region that has one of the biggest markets. Merck should be very motivated to not delay or make any missteps...would be much too costly otherwise. Good luck...