Cancer Care in a Minute: Merck’s Keytruda Revolution

Merck’s new Keytruda shot cuts treatment time to a minute, transforming care deliver

17 Oct 2025

Merck is reshaping cancer treatment with the introduction of Keytruda Qlex, a subcutaneous form of its leading immunotherapy that can be administered in as little as one minute. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on September 19, 2025, the new formulation replaces traditional intravenous infusions with a rapid under-the-skin injection designed to streamline cancer care.

For patients, the change means far less time in infusion chairs and a smoother treatment experience. For hospitals and clinics, it promises relief from the logistical pressures of crowded infusion centers. The new delivery method combines pembrolizumab, the active ingredient in Keytruda, with an enzyme that accelerates tissue absorption, allowing full dosing in one to two minutes depending on the prescribed schedule.

"Subcutaneous pembrolizumab gives patients more options and faster care," said Dr. J. Thaddeus Beck, an oncologist who led pivotal clinical trials. "It can be administered in one minute every three weeks or two minutes every six weeks, a small change in delivery with a big impact on experience."

The innovation marks a broader trend across oncology, as major biologics approach patent expiration and pharmaceutical companies turn to delivery reformulations to sustain innovation and improve access. Analysts say such developments could reshape competition by prioritizing patient convenience and healthcare efficiency alongside clinical outcomes.

Merck’s approval underscores how drug-delivery science is becoming a central focus of the pharmaceutical industry. From faster injectables to wearable infusion devices, companies are investing in technologies that bring advanced treatments closer to patients while reducing strain on healthcare systems. Challenges remain around reimbursement and integration into existing workflows, but the direction of progress appears clear.

Keytruda Qlex represents more than a technical milestone. It signals a shift toward patient-centered medicine, one in which the design of care is as crucial as the therapy itself. As oncology evolves, innovations like Merck’s one-minute injection may help redefine not just how cancer is treated, but how compassion and efficiency intersect in modern medicine.