The FDA has approved a new injectable version of cancer drug Keytruda as Merck seeks to protect its market dominance.  Here are five things to know: 

The approved shot is Keytruda Qlex, a widely used immunotherapy pembrolizumab. The shot can be administered in one minute every three weeks or two minutes every six weeks compared to a 30-minute intravenous infusion, according to a Sept. 19 news release from the drugmaker. The injection is approved for 38 solid tumor indications.

A phase 3 clinical trial in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer showed that the subcutaneous version had comparable levels and tumor response rates to the IV formulation. However, there were no notable differences in progression-free or overall survival.

While the shot does not improve clinica

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