Merck’s CV Pipeline: A Shrinking But Strident Commitment

Merck insists it is committed to its cardiovascular franchise, but the company has had to halt the development of several CV assets and has been plagued by poor trial results for others.

Merck & Co. Inc.’s decision to put one of the key cardiovascular drugs in its pipeline, MK-0524B, on hold indefinitely leaves the company – historically a leader in cardiovascular disease – with few offerings in development addressing this therapeutic area.

Although company executives have stated plans to keep cardiovascular drugs a priority, the company revealed through a filing with the...

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