Merck gets BACE boost in Alzheimer's race

Merck & Co's MK-8931 has successfully cleared an early hurdle in the race to find a product that might treat Alzheimer's disease through beta secretase enzyme (BACE) inhibition. The firm reported positive Phase Ib results showing a quick, dose-dependent reduction in amyloid.

Merck & Co's MK-8931 has successfully cleared an early hurdle in the race to find a product that might treat Alzheimer's disease through beta secretase enzyme (BACE) inhibition. The firm reported positive Phase Ib results showing a quick, dose-dependent reduction in amyloid.

The absence of liver abnormalities was also reassuring, given that this issue forced Lilly to halt a Phase II trial of its own BACE inhibitor, LY2886721, last month (

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