Merck Sharpe and Dohme presents hepatitis C drug data

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has presented data on a number of new treatments it is developing for sufferers of hepatitis C.

The company attended the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver in Vienna to highlight the clinical progress of treatments such as boceprevir and vaniprevir.

Its lead investigational hepatitis C protease inhibitor boceprevir has recently completed enrolment for a phase III trial scheduled for this year, while other promising treatments such as MK-5172 and vaniprevir remain in earlier trial stages.

Patrick Bergstedt, senior vice-president and general manager at Merck Infectious Diseases, highlighted the role the company’s merger with Schering-Plough has played in the development of its product pipeline.

He said: “With our combined portfolio, the new Merck is committed to being a leader in the development of vaccines and pharmaceuticals to both prevent and treat viral hepatitis.”

Last month, the company published trial data for a new tablet treatment for grass pollen allergy, demonstrating its efficacy among paediatric patients.