MSD increases trial size

Merck (MSD) has confirmed that it is to increase the size of the patient population in the Improve-IT trial.

Some 18,000 people will now be taking part in the trial, with an expected completion date of 2012 being put forward by the firm.

However, MSD, which is partnering with Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals on the trial, notes that the actual date of completion is very much dependent on the results that are observed as well as the rate of enrolment.

The Improve-IT trial is event-driven and is studying cardiovascular clinical outcomes in order to determine whether Vytorin 10/40 mg provides any reduction in cardiovascular events in patients recovering from acute coronary syndrome when compared to being given a 40mg dose of simvastatin alone.

It is also hoped that any benefit can be seen in patients whose LDL cholesterol levels have been reduced to a lower range than has previously been achieved in major outcomes studies.

MSD was established in 1891 and develops, manufactures and markets a range of medicines and vaccines.