Press release Your Contact News Release Gangolf Schrimpf +49 6151 72-9591 Investor Relations +49 6151 72-3321 October 1, 2015 Merck Presents Details on Immuno-Oncology Program Including First-in- Man Milestone with Investigational Bi-Functional Immunotherapy Early pipeline projects include investigational bi-functional immunotherapy expected to control tumor growth Alliance with Pfizer on track with more than 1,000 patients treated with avelumab to date collaboration with Pfizer on up to 20 clinical programs First potential commercial launch of avelumab expected in 2017; working toward at least one additional potential launch per year through 2022 Darmstadt, Germany, October 1, 2015 - Merck, a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in healthcare, life science and performance materials, today gave an update on key immuno-oncology and oncology research and development projects, illustrating visible progress across all pipeline stages. Among others, the company announced that it started investigating a novel, potential first-in-class bi-functional immunotherapy in clinical trials with the potential to offer an alternative therapy to anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 and other immunotherapies. Merck also showed good progress in its avelumab development program, which it is driving together with Pfizer. If successful, the companies expect the first potential commercial launch for avelumab in 2017, and are working toward at least one additional potential launch per year through 2022. 'We have a focused and differentiated pipeline in immuno-oncology, oncology and immunology that has the potential to make a substantial difference in the lives of patients,' said Luciano Rossetti, Head of Global R&D at the biopharmaceutical business, Merck KGaA Frankfurter Strasse 250 Head Media Relations -62445 64293 Darmstadt Spokesperson: -9591 / -7144 / -6328 Hotline +49 6151 72-5000 Fax +49 6151 72-3138 Page 1 of 4 Merck Serono... More