Schering-Plough reports long-term data for vicriviroc

Schering-Plough has reported long-term data from an open-label extension trial involving its vicriviroc drug in previously treated HIV-infected patients.

The results showed that vicriviroc, along with optimised background therapy, achieved durable virologic suppression and increased CD4 cell counts, being generally well-tolerated by HIV patients over a two-year period.

It also determined that resistance to vicriviroc was infrequent, developed slowly and usually only after prolonged treatment with the drug.

Jihad Slim, an investigator for the vicriviroc clinical programme, said: “These long-term results with vicriviroc added to optimised background therapy are encouraging and show potential for durable viral suppression and sustained elevated CD4 counts in treatment-experienced HIV-infected patients.”

Early last month, Schering-Plough and Merck – which are set to merge – announced the details of which board members would remain in their roles or take on new ones at the newly-amalgamated firm.

The merger is schedules for completion during the final quarter of 2009.