Ascentage Pharma (6855.HK), a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company, has announced a clinical collaboration with Merck subsidiary, MSD, a global, clinical-stage biotechnology company, it was reported on Monday.

The collaboration is aimed at assessing the combination of Ascentage Pharma's MDM2-p53 inhibitor, APG-115, and Merck's KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) intended for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumours.

Under the agreement, Ascentage is to support an open-label, multicentre, phase Ib/II study (NCT03611868) intended to assess the safety and efficacy of both the products in multiple cohorts of solid tumours. The Phase II part of the study has commenced and is likely to enrol 80 patients at multiple sites in the United States. Both parties are to use a joint development committee to exchange information about the study.