Merck to start phase 3 of oral PCSK9 inhibitor for cholesterol following mid-stage results
Marko Georgiev
- Phase 2b data for Merck's (NYSE:MRK) oral PCSK9 inhibitor MK-0616 has prompted the drugmaker to begin a phase 3 program in the second half of the year.
- Results from the mid-stage trial found that at week 8 for all four dose levels, LDL-C was significantly reduced compared to placebo.
- The placebo-adjusted reduction from baseline ranged from 41.2% for the lowest dose to 60.9% for the highest.
- The data was presented Monday at the American College of Cardiology's nnual Scientific Session and World Congress of Cardiology. It was also published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
- PCSK9 inhibitors are available today, but in injectable form. They are Amgen's (AMGN) Repatha (evolocumab), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' (REGN) Praluent (alirocumab), and Novartis' (NVS) Leqvio (inclisiran).
- Read why Seeking Alpha contributor Cory Cramer says that Merck (MRK) is a hold.