Merck Calls It Quits On Anacetrapib

Despite the success in the REVEAL outcomes trial for the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, Merck will not submit the cholesterol therapy for regulatory approval.

Stop barrier

Merck & Co. Inc. is making the prudent choice in opting not to pursue regulatory approval for the CETP inhibitor anacetrapib, avoiding the commercial quagmire of the cholesterol market that has hindered uptake of the PCSK9 inhibitor class.

"The decision follows a thorough review of the clinical profile of anacetrapib, including discussions with external experts," the firm said in its Oct. 11 announcement.

“Unfortunately, after comprehensive evaluation, we have concluded that the clinical profile for anacetrapib does not support regulatory filings,” Merck Research Laboratories President Roger Perlmutter said in the statement.

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