Merck's Write-Down Of Phase II Nuc Illustrates Current Reality In HCV

While a dwindling patient base and pricing pressures are depleting the market opportunity in hepatitis C, Merck's decision also may result from regulatory dialogue potentially delaying the start of a Phase III study.

Liver infection

Merck & Co. Inc.'s decision to take a $2.9bn pre-tax intangible asset impairment charge against its 2016 financial results due to a reassessment of the value of Phase II hepatitis C candidate uprifosbuvir (MK-3682) reflects the declining market opportunity in HCV due to a diminishing patient population and the impacts of pricing pushbacks.

In an 8-K filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission Feb. 23, the firm revealed that it would assess...

More from Strategy

Bayer’s Kerendia Gains Blockbuster Indication For Heart Failure

 
• By 

New US approval in heart failure with preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction should add to Kerendia’s earning power on top of chronic kidney disease indication.

Takeda Prepares Ground For Oveporexton In Narcolepsy

 

The drugmaker announced positive results from two Phase III trials for the drug in narcolepsy type 1 that analysts said bode well for the OX2R agonist class as a whole.

Leo Lands Another Big Pharma Pact With Boehringer Spevigo Deal

 
• By 

Paying €90m upfront for rights to generalized pustular psoriasis drug.

Capricor Gets Complete Response For DMD Cell Therapy

 
• By 

Seven weeks before its action date, Capricor got an FDA complete response for cell therapy deramiocel in DMD-related cardiomyopathy. It has a Phase III study nearing readout, though.

More from Business

Quick Listen: Scrip’s Five Must-Know Things

 
• By 

In this week's episode: Merck & Co’s Verona acquisition; venture funding plummets in Q2; how Teva is expanding innovation; Apogee’s Phase II eczema win; and a look at India’s wave of licensing.

Capricor Gets Complete Response For DMD Cell Therapy

 
• By 

Seven weeks before its action date, Capricor got an FDA complete response for cell therapy deramiocel in DMD-related cardiomyopathy. It has a Phase III study nearing readout, though.

Bayer Bags First Global Okay For Hot Flashes Therapy

 
• By 

Lynkuet will compete with Astellas's Veozah/Veoza