Subcutaneous formulation conversions

Across the sector, companies frame subcutaneous conversion as a patient-experience and administration-efficiency opportunity rather than a settled outcome. AMGN has an open Phase III subcutaneous study versus its IV formulation and separately cites potential efficacy and tolerability benefits for subcutaneous blinatumomab, though no delivery or completion date is specified [m2368, m2488]. BMY expects physicians to convert roughly 30% to 40% of patients to its new subcutaneous product, but flags that some accounts are waiting on a permanent J code before ramping, with issuance expected by July 1 to drive a second half ramp [m2289, m2313]. MRK has moved furthest along a concrete timeline, going from an April 2025 statement that subcutaneous pembrolizumab, if approved, would help health systems and patients in earlier stage settings, to a February 2026 confirmation that it is now the first and only subcutaneous checkpoint inhibitor in Europe, dosed in one to two minutes every three to six weeks [m2195, m2451]. The clearest divergence is stage of execution: MRK reports an approved, differentiated product in market, while AMGN remains in trial and BMY's uptake is still gated by reimbursement coding [m2451, m2368, m2313].

Elkins stated the company continues to expect physicians to convert approximately 30% to 40% of patients to this new product. [m2289] Lenkowsky said some accounts are waiting for a permanent J code, so subcu conversion will take time to ramp. [m2313] Lenkowsky expects the J code to be issued by July 1, driving a second half ramp in conversion. [m2313]

Amgen's Vikram Karnani said the company initiated a Phase III subcutaneous study as an alternative to its current IV formulation to improve patient experience. [m2368] James Bradner later said subcutaneous blinatumomab has the potential to improve patient experience, efficacy and tolerability, based on experience to date. [m2488] Both statements remain open claims about subcutaneous conversion potential, with no delivery or completion date specified. [m2368, m2488]

Dr. Dean Li said in April 2025 that subcutaneous pembrolizumab, if approved, would offer an important option for health systems and patients, especially in earlier stage settings. [m2195] By February 2026, Dean Y. Li confirmed subcutaneous pembrolizumab as the first and only subcutaneous immune checkpoint inhibitor in Europe, administered in one minute every three weeks or two minutes every six weeks. [m2451]