Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports hepatitis C drug trial data

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has published data from two phase III clinical trials of boceprevir, its developmental therapy for hepatitis C.

The company compared the performance of the oral protease inhibitor to a control drug regimen, both among treatment-naive patients and those who have previously failed to respond to therapy.

Across both patient groups, Merck Sharpe and Dohme's drug demonstrated a significantly higher sustained virologic response than the alternative, meaning the primary efficacy endpoints of the two trials were met.

Based on the positive trial data, the manufacturer now expects to be able to complete regulatory submissions for the drug in the EU and US before the end of the year.

Dr Peter Kim, president of Merck Research Laboratories, said: "Boceprevir substantially increased success rates compared to standard therapy, both for patients who received 48 weeks of treatment and for patients treated with the response-guided therapy approach."

Earlier this week, the company published its financial results for the third quarter of 2010, noting continuing growth momentum since the merger with Schering-Plough.