Genmab said its PD-L1–positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma trial hit strong early endpoints with a combination of petosemtamab plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda). In an early analysis, the regimen cut the risk of death by half versus Keytruda alone and met dual major objectives on response rates and survival. The result helped drive the company to record highs, reinforcing petosemtamab as a growth pillar as Genmab braces for future exclusivity pressure around Darzalex. Genmab inherited petosemtamab after its acquisition of Merus, and the bispecific is designed to bind EGFR and LGR5. Genmab indicated it will share detailed data with global regulators and present at a future medical meeting. The update also extends what the company characterized as a momentum stretch of positive late-stage readouts in recent weeks across its portfolio. Analysts at TD Cowen pointed to potential standard-of-care positioning in first-line PD-L1–positive disease if the findings persist in further analyses.