Combination is key

Developing innovative cancer therapies - that's one of the core tasks our researchers are working on. We are investigating additional new approaches in cancer therapy in order to develop treatment options that specifically target the tumour cells without damaging healthy cells. Here we are focusing on three therapeutic approaches: targeting the cancer cell, attacking the tumour environment, and activating the body's immune system.

To this end, our researchers are pursuing new horizons: The key lies in the combination of different approaches. This holds true for example, when the aim is to use novel active ingredients in combination with established standard therapies. The right mix is also crucial when we combine innovative thinking with intelligent research and technical excellence.

In the fight against colorectal cancer, Erbitux® (cetuximab) is an advanced treatment option. The monoclonal antibody also offers new prospects in the treatment of certain head and neck cancer indications. The importance of Erbitux® could grow further. Merck Serono is working to expand the range of indications.

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The development of cancer immunotherapies to fight cancer is a key objective.. Clinical trials investigating our compound Stimuvax® have identified initial approaches. Merck Serono is developing Stimuvax® to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. Phase III clinical trials are underway in this indication in order to prepare for submission.

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With cilengitide, Merck Serono is also developing a drug to treat glioblastomas – a particularly aggressive form of brain tumour. The integrin inhibitor targets the tumour directly and suppresses the new formation of blood vessels. In this way, it cuts off the tumour from the blood supply and the tumour literally “starves to death”, and is thus unable to form additional metastases.

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