08:50 AM EDT, 05/19/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Merck (MRK) has signed an agreement with Exelixis (EXEL) to supply it with the Keytruda QLEX injection for a phase 3 trial in patients with resected stage 2/3 colorectal cancer, Exelixis said Tuesday.

The trial will evaluate Exelixis'zanzalintinib oral kinase inhibitor in combination with and without Keytruda QLEX in patients who, following definitive therapy, have tested positive for molecular residual disease and have no radiographic evidence of disease, Exelixis said.

The primary endpoint of the trial will be disease-free survival, with key secondary endpoints including circulating tumor DNA clearance, the company said.

Exelixis added that the trial is expected to commence in mid-2026.

Exelixis shares were up 1.4% in Tuesday's premarket activity.