Ligand says Merck reports V116 met key endpoints in two Phase 3 trials

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND) announced that its collaborator Merck (MRK) announced topline results from two Phase 3 trials evaluating V116, an investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in vaccine-naive and previously vaccinated individuals. If approved, V116 would be the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine specifically designed for adults. Results from the STRIDE-3 trial demonstrated statistically significant immune responses compared to PCV20 in vaccine-naive adults for serotypes common to both vaccines as assessed by serotype-specific opsonophagocytic activity 30 days post-vaccination. Positive immune responses were also observed for serotypes unique to V116. Additionally, results from STRIDE-6 demonstrated that V116 was immunogenic for all 21 pneumococcal serotypes in the vaccine among adults who previously received a pneumococcal vaccine at least one year prior to the study. In both studies, V116 had a safety profile comparable to the comparator in the studies. Results will be shared with the scientific community in the near future and will support global regulatory licensure applications. V116 utilizes the CRM197 vaccine carrier protein, which is produced using Ligand’s patent-protected Pelican Expression Technology platform. If approved, Ligand is entitled to a royalty on worldwide net sales.