Merck Sharpe and Dohme drug ‘subject of positive trial results’

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has revealed that its therapy Cozaar (iosartan potassium) has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death or hospitalisation due to heart failure.

During a recent study, the therapy, when administered in 150 mg doses once a day, was found to noticeably lower the likelihood of these adverse events, compared to a lower 50 mg once-daily dose of the same drug.

The study, which was sponsored by the firm, aimed to compare the safety of two doses of Cozaar in subjects with chronic heart failure and reduced cardiac function who were intolerant of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Francis Plat, vice-president and clinical therapeutic area head for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular at Merck Research Laboratories, stated: “This study […] advances our understanding of the role that pharmaceutical innovations can have and answers an important outstanding question as only a clinical outcomes trial can.”

Earlier this week, Merck Sharpe and Dohme reiterated its commitment to developing and marketing cardiovascular healthcare products following its merger with Schering-Plough.