=Merck (MRK) receives positive opinion from CHMP

Merck confirms that the CHMP has adopted a positive opinion recommending approval of KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), the company's anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of certain patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer: Specifically, KEYTRUDA is recommended for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in adult patients who have received prior platinum-containing chemotherapy, as well as adult patients who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. The recommendation will now be reviewed by the European Commission for marketing authorization in the European Union. A final decision is expected in the third quarter of 2017.