The Other Clock
Merck's sac-TMT cut the risk of death by 32% in recurrent endometrial cancer, with median survival of 19 months versus 12.1. An FDA decision is expected in June 2027.
19 months versus 12.1. The regulator's answer is not due until June 2027.
Merck's experimental drug sacituzumab tirumotecan, also called sac-TMT, is an antibody-drug conjugate aimed at the TROP2 protein. In a trial of 776 patients whose endometrial cancer had returned or progressed after earlier treatment, it reduced the risk of death by 32% versus the doctor's choice of doxorubicin or paclitaxel.
Median overall survival was 19 months versus 12.1. The risk of progression or death fell by 41%. Median progression-free survival was 7.2 months versus 3.9. About 35% of patients on sac-TMT saw their tumours shrink, versus 17% on chemotherapy. Serious treatment-related side effects hit about 54% versus 41%.
The US regulator accepted the file for priority review. Merck said a decision is expected in June 2027. The data were presented at ESMO. Reuters reported the review on 26 October 2026.
This is a card, not a segment. A priority review is a queue. It is not an approval.
Key Facts
- 776 patients, recurrent or progressive endometrial cancer
- Risk of death reduced 32%. Median overall survival 19 months versus 12.1
- Risk of progression or death reduced 41%. Median PFS 7.2 versus 3.9 months
- Tumour shrinkage about 35% versus 17%
- Serious treatment-related side effects about 54% versus 41%
- FDA priority review. Decision expected June 2027
Why This Matters
A seven-month median survival gap, in a cancer that had already come back, is the kind of number this show can say out loud. The side-effect gap goes in the same breath. June 2027 is the clock. It has not rung.
What We Don't Know Yet
Whether the priority review stays on that date. How the drug compares with other TROP2 conjugates, not only with older chemotherapy. Whether the 54% serious-side-effect rate is tolerable outside a trial centre.