Benzinga | Jul 7, 2021 07:58AM EDT

OncoSec Stock Jumps On Anti-Cancer Gene Therapy Trial Collaboration With Merck In Melanoma

* OncoSec Medical Inc (NASDAQ:ONCS) will evaluate its DNA-plasmid interleukin-12 (IL-12) TAVO (tavokinogene telseplasmid) with Merck & Co Inc's (NYSE:MRK) Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in KEYNOTE-C87 Phase 3 trial.

* The planned trial will evaluate the overall survival of patients treated with the TAVO / Keytruda combination versus standard of care in late-stage patients with metastatic melanoma who are refractory to immune checkpoint therapy.

* Under the terms of the Agreement, each party will be responsible for its internal costs, with OncoSec covering third-party expenses.

* KEYNOTE-C87 intends to enroll approximately 400 patients.

* TAVO has received FDA Fast Track designation as an anti-cancer gene therapy that expresses IL-12 to treat metastatic melanoma, following progression on Keytruda or Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's (NYSE:BMY) Opdivo (nivolumab).

* Price Action: ONCS shares are up 24.37% at $3.47 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.