Merck Sharp and Dohme reports positive Zerbaxa clinical trial data

Merck Sharp and Dohme has announced the publication of new clinical trial data for Zerbaxa, a compound it acquired as part of its purchase of Cubist Pharmaceuticals.

The Lancet and Clinical Infectious Diseases have published results from pivotal phase III clinical studies of Zerbaxa for injection, showing its efficacy in treating complicated urinary tract infections and intra-abdominal infections.

Results from both of the large, global phase III studies revealed that the drug met its pre-specified primary endpoints, with secondary analyses of the studies offering results consistent with and supportive of the primary outcomes.

The drug is already approved in the US for use in combination with metronidazole in adult patients for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections caused by a variety of Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms.

Dr Rene Russo, vice-president for global medical affairs at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, said: "Physicians are in need of new treatment options to address complicated infections caused by serious Gram-negative bacteria."

Merck Sharp and Dohme announced the takeover of Cubist last December and completed the process earlier this year.