Merck Faces Patent Lawsuit Over Easier-to-Use Keytruda (1)

A biotech company is suing Merck & Co. over its easier-to-use version of its blockbuster cancer treatment Keytruda, alleging the pharmaceutical giant violated its intellectual property.

Merck knowingly infringed Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.’s patents in crafting a version of Keytruda that can be administered as a shot rather than through an intravenous infusion, according to a lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey on Thursday.

The shot version of the drug is key to Merck’s future growth. The company said in a statement that it believes the suit has no merit and that Merck ...