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Merck Looks Beyond First-In-Class Only As It Seeks To Bolster R&D Productivity

 
• By Wendy Diller

With three large outcomes studies to read out interim or final results, 2012 is likely to be a pivotal year for Merck’s R&D, even as it rebalances its traditionally first-in-class emphasis to a hybrid model that also embraces best in class.

Merck & Co. Inc. has been rebalancing its R&D portfolio to mix more best-in-class molecules into its historic emphasis on first-in-class molecules. Several years into the effort, about 50% of its lead optimization resources in discovery are now dedicated to “best-in-class” programs, executives said during the company’s Nov. 10 R&D day.

While most biopharmaceutical companies aspire to a diversified pipeline, Merck’s enunciated focus marks a departure from recent trends in the...

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Australia Targets Clinical Trial Reform, AI Use And Drug Shortages In 12-Month Plan

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Reforming clinical trial regulations, addressing the use of artificial intelligence, mitigating medicines shortages and strengthening ties with other drug regulators are key priorities for Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration over the next year.

EU’s Life Sciences Strategy Faces Race Against Time, Says Clinical Trials Community

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The report gave examples of missed opportunities for innovation and patient access, as well as regulatory and operational problems that undermine the conduct of timely clinical trials in Europe.

Sponsors Asked, EMA Delivered: One Handbook To Navigate CTIS

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The European Medicines Agency has revised the sponsor handbook for the Clinical Trials Information System, bringing together guidance that was previously scattered across multiple platforms and documents to help sponsors navigate the trial process more efficiently.

Sarepta Refuses To Stop Elevidys Shipments After Third Death Linked To Gene Therapy Vector

 
• By Mandy Jackson

Sarepta knew about the death in a Phase I trial of SRP-9004 for LGMD when it recently revealed a restructuring plan, but did not disclose the event. The now-discontinued gene therapy candidate uses the same AAV vector as Elevidys, which has been linked to two DMD patient deaths.

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PharmaMar Withdraws EU Aplidin Filing After Regulatory Rollercoaster

 
• By Eliza Slawther

PharmaMar has voluntarily withdrawn its marketing authorization application for Aplidin to treat multiple myeloma in the EU – almost a decade after it first filed the drug for EU approval and following years of court proceedings.

Italy To Reward Locally Conducted R&D In Innovative Medicines Fund Revamp

 
• By Francesca Bruce

Antibiotics that tackle antimicrobial resistance are to be automatically included in Italy’s Innovative Medicines Fund, which is designed to provide quick access to innovative medicines.

Real-Time Release Of CRLs Is US FDA’s Goal, Agency Leaders Affirm

 
• By Michael McCaughan

The US FDA says its release of complete response letters for products subsequently approved by the agency is just a first step toward releasing rejection letters when they are issued, assuming legal issues can be resolved.