Merck Sharpe and Dohme completes vernakalant review

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has completed a review of vernakalant, an orally-administered treatment it is developing for atrial fibrillation.

Collaborative partner Cardiome Pharma stated that following the completion of this review, Merck Sharpe and Dohme has briefed Cardiome on its plans to take further steps in the drug's development in 2011.

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has been working with Cardiome on vernakalant since April 2009, with Merck possessing exclusive global rights to offer the drug as a treatment for the maintenance of normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients.

Doug Janzen, chief executive officer and president of Cardiome, said: "We are delighted that Merck has confirmed its plans for development of vernakalant and we look forward to working with them as they advance the vernakalant programme to maximise its full potential."

An intravenous version of the drug has also been trialled for the rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm in adults.

Earlier this month, Merck Sharpe and Dohme commenced a new partnership with the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative and NYU Langone Medical Center to research a new malaria vaccine.