See the DrugPatentWatch profile for keytruda

Keytruda, a drug developed by Merck & Co., received its first approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cancer treatment on September 4, 2014 [1]. The FDA approved Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for the treatment of advanced melanoma in patients who have been previously treated and whose tumors express PD-L1 [1].

Keytruda is a type of immunotherapy, which helps the body's immune system fight cancer [1]. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2 [1]. This interaction helps keep cancer cells hidden from the immune system [1]. By blocking the interaction, Keytruda helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells [1].

Since its initial approval, Keytruda has received additional approvals from the FDA for the treatment of various types of cancer [1]. As of 2021, Keytruda has been approved for the treatment of 11 different types of cancer, including lung, head and neck, and colorectal cancers [1].

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Keytruda's first patent was issued in 2011, and it is set to expire in 2030 [2]. However, Merck & Co. has filed for and been granted several patents for Keytruda, some of which extend its exclusivity beyond 2030 [2].

In summary, Keytruda received its first FDA approval for cancer treatment on September 4, 2014, for the treatment of advanced melanoma [1]. Keytruda has since received additional approvals for the treatment of various types of cancer [1]. Keytruda's first patent was issued in 2011, and it is set to expire in 2030 [2].

Sources:
[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA approves Merck’s Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
<https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-mercks-keytruda-pembrolizumab-first-line-treatment-patients-advanced-non-small-cell-lung-cancer>.
[2] DrugPatentWatch.com. (2021). Keytruda (pembrolizumab) patents.
<https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/keytruda-pembrolizumab/>.