US laboratory services provider Labcorp (NYSE:LH) announced on Wednesday the nationwide availability of Agilent Technologies' PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx, the only companion diagnostic approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer who may be eligible for Merck's KEYTRUDA.

KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) and KEYTRUDA QLEX (pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph) are the first FDA-approved PD-1 inhibitors available as part of a complete treatment regimen for eligible patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

According to Labcorp, the approval of KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX in this setting introduces meaningful new treatment options that have been found to reduce the risk of disease progression and improve overall survival. Nationwide availability of PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx enables clinicians to quickly identify patients who may benefit from these newly approved treatments.

Following the FDA's February approval of KEYTRUDA and KEYTRUDA QLEX alongside PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx, Labcorp participated in Agilent Technologies' Early Validation Program to help support rapid testing availability. Through standardised training and readiness activities, Labcorp was prepared to expand nationwide access quickly following approval.