Merck Discontinues 2 HCV Clinical Programs
This decision was made based on a review of available phase 2 efficacy data and in consideration of the evolving marketplace and the growing number of treatment options available for patients with chronic HCV infection, including elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier).
Officials with Merck have discontinued developing the investigational combination regimens MK-3682B (grazoprevir/ruzasvir/ uprifosbuvir) and MK-3682C (ruzasvir/uprifosbuvir) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, according to a press release from the company.
This decision was made based on a review of available phase 2 efficacy data and in consideration of the evolving marketplace and the growing number of treatment options available for patients with chronic HCV infection, including elbasvir and grazoprevir (Zepatier).
“Remarkable progress has been made in the fight against hepatitis C infection, and Merck is enormously proud of the role we have had in that fight over the past 30 years,” Eliav Barr, senior vice president, global clinical development, infectious diseases and vaccines, Merck Research Laboratories said in the release. “We will continue to study Zepatier to understand even more about its role in treating chronic hepatitis C infection and will continue to work with others to help bring Zepatier to appropriate patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 or 4 infection, the genotypes which make up the majority of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.”
Reference
Merck Discontinues MK-3682B and MK-3682C Development Programs. Kenilworth, J. Merck newsroom. September 29, 2017. http://www.mrknewsroom.com/news-release/corporate-news/merck-discontinues-mk-3682b-and-mk-3682c-development-programs. Accessed September 30, 2017.
