This is a phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label umbrella platform study that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of sacituzumab tirumotecan (MK-2870) plus paclitaxel versus ramucirumab plus paclitaxel, and HER3-DXD plus ramucirumab versus ramucirumab plus paclitaxel for the treatment of participants with advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, or esophageal adenocarcinoma who have failed 1 prior line of therapy. This is an estimation study, and no formal hypothesis testing will be performed.
Phase 1 trials primarily test safety and dosing in a small number of participants (typically 20–100). Results do not yet speak to efficacy. FDA approval is typically many years away from this stage.
Phase 2 trials begin testing efficacy in a larger patient group (100–300). This is often where biotech binary events occur — positive Phase 2 data can significantly advance a company's pipeline narrative, while failures can be terminal for a program.
Currently recruiting: the trial is enrolling patients. A data readout is not expected until after enrollment closes and the follow-up period is complete.
Merck & Co (MRK) is the sponsoring company for this trial. BiotechSign currently grades this company F (35/100) based on composite catalyst signals across its full pipeline. This trial is one data point in that overall catalyst picture.