By Michael Calia
Merck & Co. said Thursday that a pair of its hepatitis C
virus treatments showed a cure rate of 98% in a mid-stage trial,
supporting advancement of the study.
The drug maker said it has initiated a Phase 3 trial after
analyzing the study results of the 12-week regimen using the oral
treatment, which combines MK-5172 and MK-8742. The company said the
study also showed a 94% cure rate for patients receiving those
treatments, plus ribavirin.
Merck's announcement comes as Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. on
Tuesday said its hepatitis C treatment demonstrated efficacy in a
study, achieving positive results in as much as 90% of certain
patient groups. Gilead Sciences Inc. also said data from a phase
two study of its all-oral hepatitis C treatment, Sovaldi,
demonstrated efficacy, supporting initial findings from phase three
trials.
Bristol-Myers and Gilead, among others, have been in a race to
bring all-oral hepatitis C treatments to the market, which is
expected to be worth billions of dollars. Gilead's drug costs
$1,000 a day.
Merck said there were no early discontinuations of its
investigational hepatitis C treatment due to adverse effects, nor
were any significant abnormalities detected. The most common side
effects were fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea and insomnia, the
company added.
Merck has taken some hits lately as it contends with patent
expirations on lucrative drugs, as well as issues with bringing new
products to the marketplace. Last year, the company said it would
cut its workforce by 20% over two years, including cutting
positions in its research-and-development operations. The company
has also said it would consider shedding some products and
businesses.
The company in February said it agreed to collaborate with other
drug makers to study its investigational cancer treatment.
Shares of Merck rose 1.8% to $58.10 in recent premarket trading.
Through Wednesday's close, the stock was up 14% so far this
year.
Write to Michael Calia at michael.calia@wsj.com
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