Kelun‑Biotech reported that its TROP2‑targeting antibody‑drug conjugate (sacituzumab tirumotecan, sac‑TMT) combined with Merck’s Keytruda improved progression‑free survival versus Keytruda alone in a phase III first‑line NSCLC trial (OptiTROP‑Lung05) in PD‑L1 positive patients. Kelun said the study also trended toward overall survival benefit and plans to file data with Chinese regulators. The result — the first positive phase III pairing of an ADC and PD‑1 inhibitor in this setting, according to Kelun — could broaden indications for TROP2 ADCs and advance sac‑TMT’s global development. Merck holds rights outside China and will evaluate global development strategy; the data will be scrutinized for subgroup effects, safety with immunotherapy, and regulatory filings.