# In first human trial, lower dose of new cancer drug outperformed higher dose - Date: 2026-04-20 - Category: Biotech & Life Sciences In a first-human trial, a lower dose of a cancer drug beat a higher one: 55% response at 20 mg/kg versus 44% at 30 mg/kg — nobody has a clean explanation. Merck licensed the drug for $588M upfront. ---