Merck Sharpe and Dohme reports positive CINV therapy trial data

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has published new data from a clinical trial of fosaprepitant dimeglumine, its treatment for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).

According to the study’s results, patients receiving a single intravenous dose of the new drug in combination with a 5-HT3 antagonist and dexamethasone showed a non-inferior response to a similar treatment regime based on oral aprepitant.

The data also showed that the two treatments demonstrated a generally consistent profile in terms of incidence and types of adverse events.

Andrew Wilson-Webb, chief executive of the Rarer Cancer Foundation, said the findings were important given the distress that CINV causes for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

He said: “Another potential treatment option to help prevent CINV offering greater patient choice and flexibility is welcomed.”

Earlier this month, Merck Sharpe and Dohme launched the new diabetes treatment Janumet in the UK, a once-daily tablet which combines the effects of two established therapy options.