Inhibrx rises as experimental drug tied to Merck’s Keytruda catches drugmakers' eye

Merck KGaA

22/04/2026 12:36

** Shares of biotech firm Inhibrx Biosciences’ INBX.O rise 9% to $91.49 premarket

** Drugmakers including Merck MRK.N, Merck KGaA and Ono Pharma are eyeing its experimental cancer drug INBRX-106, sources say

** INBRX-106 is being tested with Keytruda, a widely used immune-based cancer drug, aimed at helping the immune system better attack tumors

** Sources add INBRX-106 could improve response rates to about 45% versus ~30% with Keytruda alone, based on early trial data

** Say INBX is considering a joint spin-off of INBRX-106 and another experimental cancer drug, with combined value seen above $9 billion if trials succeed

** As of last close, INBX up ~6% YTD

(Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru)

((Sahil.Pandey@thomsonreuters.com))