MSD to acquire NovaCardia

In a move to enhance its clinical pipeline of cardiovascular drug candidates, Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has announced the planned acquisition of NovaCardia.

This acquisition will give the firm access to the investigational KW-3902 adenosine A1 receptor antagonist currently being studied in phase III as a treatment for acute congestive heart failure.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement signed by the firms, MSD will acquire NovaCardia for the sum of $350 million (170 million pounds) – in addition to any cash on hand when the deal is formally closed – with this amount to be paid in the form of stock in MSD based on its average price five days prior to the finalisation of the deal.

Richard C Pasternak, vice-president of clinical research at Merck Research Laboratories, said: “[MSD] is very excited to have the opportunity to bring forward potential new treatments for patients with heart failure.”

He added that this acquisition boosts the company’s internal research work relating to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases that are currently not met by existing treatments.

In November 2006, MSD presented the results of a clinical study assessing its DP1-receptor antagonist MK-0542 combined with extended-release niacin, reporting that the compound showed efficacy in reducing flushing in patients with dyslipidemia.