NewLink gains on updated melanoma data

NewLink Genetics Corp. (NASDAQ:NLNK) jumped $5.81 (75%) to $13.60 on Thursday after reporting updated response data from the Phase II NLG2103 trial evaluating indoximod (NLG8189) plus PD-1 mAb Keytruda pembrolizumab to treat unresectable stage III or IV melanoma. Indoximod is an indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (INDO; IDO) pathway inhibitor.

In 51 evaluable patients with cutaneous, mucosal or melanoma of unknown primary origin, twice-daily oral indoximod plus Keytruda led to an overall response rate (ORR) of 61%, including 10 complete responses and 21 partial responses. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 12.9 months and the 12-month PFS rate was 56%...