Phase III trial shows sacituzumab tirumotecan plus pembrolizumab improves survival in first-line NSCLC treatment

Sichuan Kelun-Biotech announced positive Phase III trial results for sacituzumab tirumotecan (sac-TMT) combined with pembrolizumab as first-line treatment for PD-L1 positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The combination significantly extended progression-free survival and showed a positive trend in overall survival compared to pembrolizumab alone, with manageable safety. This is the first Phase III trial demonstrating survival benefits of an antibody drug conjugate combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in first-line NSCLC therapy. The findings were published in The Lancet and presented at ASCO 2026, highlighting the therapy's potential global impact. Regulatory review for this combination as first-line NSCLC treatment is underway in China.