Neoleukin Therapeutics, Inc. announced a clinical trial collaboration and supply agreement with Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada). The agreement will allow for the evaluation of safety and efficacy of Neoleukin's NL-201, a de novo protein designed to mimic the therapeutic activity of natural cytokines IL-2 and IL-15, in combination with Merck's anti-PD-1 therapy KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in an ongoing Phase 1 trial. Neoleukin will evaluate NL-201 plus pembrolizumab as part of the company's ongoing Phase 1 trial in patients with advanced, relapsed or refractory solid tumors. Up to 132 patients will be enrolled in the combination arm of the study.

The trial is assessing safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and antitumor activity.