MSD reports Enhance trial results

Merck, Sharp and Dohme (MSD) and Schering-Plough have reported the results of its Enhance trial which compared the effects of ezetimbe and high-dose simvastatin against simvastatin alone on the atherosclerotic process in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

Over 700 patients were enrolled in the trial, all suffering from HeFH – a rare condition that affects 0.2 per cent of the population.

The primary endpoint was the mean change in the in the intima-media thickness measured at three sites in the carotid arteries between patients treated with ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/80 mg versus patients treated with simvastatin 80 mg alone over a two-year period.

It was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups regarding the primary endpoint.

In addition, the incidence rate of treatment-related adverse events was similar between the two treatment groups.

The two pharmaceutical companies will announce the study results at a presentation at the American College of Cardiology in March this year.

Earlier this month, MSD and Addex Pharmaceuticals announced an exclusive partnership to develop a new drug candidate for the potential treatment of schizophrenia.