Merck said a new formulation of the top-selling drug, Keytruda, appears to deliver similar blood levels of the drug when given by injection or when given intravenously.

For Merck, the new subcutaneous or subcutaneous formulation of Keytruda could represent a major way to retain a larger share of Keytruda’s $25 billion in annual sales than would otherwise occur when the drug’s U.S. patent expires in 2028.

Keytruda is a cancer immunotherapy that stimulates the immune system to attack tumor cells. It is the best-selling drug in the world.

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