Based on the information available, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that the price of Keytruda, a cancer drug manufactured by Merck & Co., has changed specifically due to competition. However, the cost of Keytruda has been a topic of discussion in recent years due to its high price and the increasing number of competitors in the immunotherapy market.
Keytruda, which received FDA approval in 2014, is a type of immunotherapy known as a PD-1 inhibitor. It works by blocking the PD-1 protein, which allows the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. Since its approval, Keytruda has been approved for the treatment of several types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
The cost of Keytruda has been a subject of controversy, with a course of treatment costing around $150,000 per year in the United States. This high price has led to calls for greater transparency in drug pricing and has spurred competition in the immunotherapy market.
In recent years, several other PD-1 inhibitors have been approved for use, including Opdivo (Bristol-Myers Squibb), Tecentriq (Roche), and Imfinzi (AstraZeneca). These drugs are also expensive, with prices similar to Keytruda. While the availability of these competitors may put downward pressure on prices, there is no evidence to suggest that this has occurred yet.
In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence to suggest that Keytruda's price has changed due to competition, the high cost of the drug and the increasing number of competitors in the immunotherapy market may influence pricing in the future.
Sources:
1. [DrugPatentWatch.com](https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/keytruda)
2. [FDA.gov](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/keytruda-pembrolizumab)
3. [Cancer.gov](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/immunotherapy/pd-1-pd-l1-inhibitors-fact-sheet)
4. [STAT News](https://www.statnews.com/2021/02/11/keytruda-prices-rise-despite-competition/)
5. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/mercks-keytruda-remains-top-seller-amid-competition-2021-02-02/)