That's my view as well. I originally invested in the ARIA after seeing the rida P2 data and the resulting change in the P3 trial design. At that time, my investment thesis was based on the view that rida would prove to work exceptionally well in some indications. I think the data is now proving that out. Most importantly, the sarcoma subtypes that rida appears to have the greatest efficacy in are the ones that also have the largest patient populations. So while 3 weeks PFS overall may not seem like a lot, I'm betting that the ASCO data will show a PFS that is much higher than that in STS. And, if that is true, MRK will, imo, file.(btw, based on lack of alternative treatments and the positioning of rida as a maintenance therapy, I don't think approval will be limited to just STS)
Merck's decision to file should be viewed in a larger context. The endo(single agent) and breast (combo) trials produced excellent results. Sarcoma is just the first step in what is arguably a much bigger opportunity for Merck.
