Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports positive trial data for hepatitis drug

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has published encouraging clinical trial data from two recent studies of boceprevir, a new treatment for hepatitis C.

The HCV Respond-2 and HCV Sprint-2 studies both showed that a combination of boceprevir to treatment with Pegintron and Rebetol led to a significant increase in sustained virologic response among patients.

Merck Sharpe and Dohme is hoping that this data will support its efforts to win regulatory approval for the investigational oral protease inhibitor.

A new drug application for the treatment is currently being planned for submission to the US Food and Drug Administration, while the firm will also seek approval from EU regulators this year.

Dr Peter Kim, president of Merck Research Laboratories, said: “There is a clear need for new treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C.”

This comes after the firm last week announced a deal to provide a licence to Laboratory Corporation of America for the development of a new diagnostic testing system for hepatitis C patients.