Jun 12, 2026 | FDA Approves Merck Welireg-Keytruda for Kidney Cancer; Jazz Zepzelca Phase 3 Fails

FDA approves Merck's Welireg-Keytruda combo for adjuvant kidney cancer — 28% risk reduction vs. active Keytruda monotherapy in LITESPARK-022. Jazz's Zepzelca misses OS endpoint in Phase 3 LAGOON, Incyte acquires Vega Therapeutics for $1.25B, and Amgen files independent Duke review to fight FDA's proposed Tavneos withdrawal.pharma, pharmaceutical, FDA, clinical trials, biotech, drug approvals, healthcare, pharma podcast, The Pharma Closeout, Merck, Keytruda, Welireg, belzutifan, pembrolizumab, kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma, LITESPARK-022, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Zepzelca, lurbinectedin, small cell lung cancer, LAGOON, Incyte, Vega Therapeutics, Star Therapeutics, Amgen, Tavneos, avacopan, AstraZeneca, Truqap, capivasertib, prostate cancer, Sanofi, Tzield, type 1 diabetes, Enliven Therapeutics, WuXi AppTec, CMS, Medicare, IRA, Novo Nordisk, oral semaglutide, M&A, GSK