08:58 AM EDT, 05/05/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Immutep ( IMMP ) said Monday that a phase 2b trial evaluating eftilagimod alfa in combination with Merck's ( MRK ) Keytruda to treat head and neck squamous cell cancer produced an "excellent" median overall survival result of 17.6 months.

The firm said the result "compares favorably" with to historical results from the two current standard-of-care approaches, while the drug combination was well-tolerated with no new safety signals.

Immutep ( IMMP ) said it has requested a meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration to discuss next steps including potential paths to approval.

Immutep ( IMMP ) shares rose nearly 13% in recent premarket activity.