Merck announces beginning of trial

Merck and the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium have announced the start of a clinical trial for Zolinza.

Used as a therapy for myeloma, the product is adopted in combination with Velcade – a protease inhibitor – to treat the cancer of plasma cells.

When used on its own, it can also be a healing method for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.

The organisations stated approximately 60 trials will take place, enrolling 142 patients, adding the tests are intended for people who have not reacted to other treatments, including Thalomid and Revlimid.

In November, Merck said its Januvia diabetes therapy had been found to reduce blood sugar levels.

The product was also discovered to not be associated with hypoglycaemia in older patients with the type two strain of the condition.

Speaking at the time, lead study investigator and director of the Institute for Ageing Research and Animal Physiology Core Nir Barzilai commented: “The elderly population presents challenges for the treatment of type two diabetes, as various factors can affect the ability to lower these patients’ blood sugar to target levels.”