Merck, NanoString seek Keytruda biomarkers

Merck and Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and NanoString Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTG) will collaborate to develop a biomarker assay that may predict patient responses to melanoma drug Keytruda pembrolizumab. NanoString CEO Brad Gray said the collaboration could lead to development of a companion diagnostic for the PD-1 inhibitor, which the pharma is developing for multiple cancers.

Merck will identify gene expression signatures and use NanoString's nCounter Analysis System to evaluate them as part of Keytruda's development program. NanoString will receive $4 million, mostly during 2015; the parties will negotiate a separate development agreement if a companion diagnostic assay results from the collaboration. ...