Merck Sharp and Dohme wins Prix Galien USA Award for Keytruda

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced that its innovative cancer drug Keytruda has been presented with the Prix Galien USA 2015 Award for best biotechnology product.

The anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of advanced melanoma and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer in patients whose disease has progressed after other therapies, was deemed to be an outstanding achievement in new medicine development.

Founded in France in 1969 by pharmacist Roland Mehl, the internationally recognised award is considered the highest accolade for pharmaceutical research and development.

This latest prize is Merck's seventh Prix Galien USA award in nine years, with the company previously recognised for Zostavax, Victrelis, Rotateq, Isentress, Januvia and Gardasil.

Dr Roger Perlmutter, president at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "This achievement is a testament to the remarkable contributions of everyone at Merck, as well as the many physicians and patients who participated in our clinical trials, in helping to bring Keytruda to patients."

In total, Merck Sharp and Dohme has won the Prix Galien 40 times, making it the most awarded company of all time.