Merck Sharp and Dohme reports positive hepatitis C study data for Zepatier

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced the publication of new clinical trial data that demonstrates the benefits offered by its newly-approved drug Zepatier in the treatment of hepatitis C.

Results from the phase III C-EDGE CO-STAR trial have been published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, highlighting the drug's performance among patients with chronic hepatitis C of genotypes 1, 4 and 6 who are receiving opioid agonist therapy.

It was shown that treatment with Zepatier over 12 weeks resulted in high rates of sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the completion of therapy.

This marked the first study evaluating a direct-acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C infection in patients on opioid agonist therapy that did not exclude patients actively using drugs with high abuse potential.

Dr Eliav Barr, vice-president for infectious diseases at Merck Research Laboratories, said: "Merck continues to take a leadership role in exploring the potential to treat chronic hepatitis C infection in underserved and undertreated patient populations, including those who continue to use illicit drugs."

The drug has been approved by the European Commission this week.

With over 20 years of experience within the pharmaceutical market, we at Zenopa have the knowledge, skills and expertise to help find the right job for you. To find out more about the current pharmaceutical roles we have available, you can search for the latest job roles, register your details, or contact the team today.