1. In Vivo
  2. >>Innovation

Science Matters: Merck Joins Crowded NASH Race As Several Data Readouts Loom

 
• By Mark Ratner

No NASH treatments are on the market yet, but Phase III data readouts are emerging, mid-stage drugs are demonstrating their capabilities and combinations are in view. 

Although no drug has been approved to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the clinical drug development landscape around the disease is maturing rapidly. Gilead Sciences Inc. and Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc. are awaiting further readouts from Phase III NASH trials in the first half of 2019. Compounds in mid-stage trials have now demonstrated an ability to impact the disease in a short amount of time, and regulators have provided clarity around acceptable surrogate endpoints for early trials, which helps make trial design more efficient. As a result, companies are expanding their portfolios, contemplating combination drug strategies and eying new targets.

The field became more crowded in January, when Merck & Co. Inc. teed up its first clinical candidate, a compound acquired from NGM Biopharmaceuticals Inc. that targets fibroblast...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Innovation

ML-Assisted Genetic Risk Score Predicts GLP-1 Adverse Events

 
• By David Wild

Phenomix Science presented new data at Digestive Disease Week 2025 showing its machine learning-assisted genetic risk score can predict nausea and side effects from GLP-1 receptor agonists, aiding personalized obesity treatment.

The pre|CISION Approach: How Avacta Is Making Toxic Cancer Drugs Safe And More Effective

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

Avacta's approach to drug delivery is showing how 'masked' chemotherapy can dramatically improve safety profiles while maintaining or enhancing efficacy where it matters most.

Bringing Israeli Medical Device Candidates To The Right Partners In The US

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Despite regional unrest, it is business as usual for medtech innovators and investors in Israel as evidenced by continued high-value M&A of locally developed technologies. Irit Yaniv, co-chair of the medtech session at the upcoming BioMed Israel 2025, explained the unique dynamics of Israeli medtech innovation.

Digital Transformation At The FDA: Generative AI Set To Transform Drug Review Process

 
• By David Wild

The FDA plans to implement generative AI for drug reviews by 30 June 2025, enhancing efficiency and potentially accelerating approval processes. Discussions with OpenAI about AI integration are ongoing.

More from In Vivo

How Vir Bio CEO Marianne De Backer Is Rebuilding Commercial Momentum

 
• By David Wild

From billion-dollar COVID antibody to a strategic reset, Marianne De Backer is navigating Vir's comeback through pipeline focus and disciplined leadership.

Execs On The Move: April 2025

 
• By In Vivo Team

An interactive look at recent executive-level company changes and promotions in the biopharma, medical device and diagnostics industries.

AI In Drug Discovery: The Patent Implications

 
• By David Wild

A Q&A with DeAnn Smith, partner and co-chair of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Proceedings Practice Group at law firm Foley Hoag.