Merck & Co., Inc. is making a big push with the Phase III program for its oral PCSK9 inhibitor MK-0616, but it remains to be seen whether an oral option will wind up becoming preferred over the currently approved injected drugs given that patients must still take Merck’s pill daily, whereas the injectables offer in many cases far less frequent dosing. In other words, the competition will likely come down to different ideas of what is more convenient.
Merck’s Anti-PCSK9 Pill Sets Up Convenience Battle Against Infrequently Dosed Injectables
The drug maker announced the start of a Phase III program for its oral PCSK9 inhibitor MK-0616, including a 14,550-patient outcomes trial set to start later in the year.
More from Clinical Trials
• By
After failing a Phase II monotherapy study in early Parkinson’s, Cerevance will focus on adjunctive therapy without abandoning the monotherapy concept.
• By
The firm has lofty ambitions for the aldosterone synthase inhibitor to treat hypertension and kidney disease.
• By
The ZENITH study is a landmark for Merck’s first-in-class activin signalling inhibitor and pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment.
• By
Seeking cell therapy approaches to cure type 1 diabetes, Vertex abandons a candidate encapsulated to avoid immune system detection but hopes to file another candidate for approval in 2026.
More from R&D
• By
A Phase III trial testing the cortisol modulator showed a benefit on PFS and OS in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
• By
The UK giant is forecasting peak sales of $5bn plus
• By
Novo’s semaglutide has shown its benefits as an injectable in patients with peripheral arterial disease and as an oral agent in cardiovascular outcomes, but stronger results are expected soon from Lilly’s tirzepatide.