Merck made a major breakthrough in the fight against hypercholesterolemia Monday, as the company announced that its investigational drug, MK-0616, had achieved its primary endpoint of significantly reducing LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in its Phase IIb clinical trial. This marks a significant step forward in the development of an effective treatment for this widespread and potentially dangerous condition.
At the American College of Cardiology’s 72nd Annual Scientific Session, the latest data on cardiovascular health was presented, offering a comprehensive look at the current state of heart health. Attendees had the opportunity to gain insight into the latest research and learn more about how to maintain a healthy heart.
After two months of treatment, MK-0616 was found to be highly effective in reducing LDL-C levels. Compared to the placebo, the 6-mg dose reduced LDL-C levels by 41.2%, while the 8-mg dose achieved an impressive 60.9% reduction. These results demonstrate the potential of MK-0616 to significantly improve cholesterol levels.
Merck’s candidate achieved a remarkable level of success, achieving “near-complete efficacy” across all dose groups within just two weeks and maintaining the treatment effect until the follow-up at eight weeks. This remarkable result is a testament to the power of the candidate and the efficacy of Merck’s treatments.
MK-0616 proved to be a breakthrough in lipid-lowering therapy, with significant drops in apolipoprotein B and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Not only that, the proportion of participants who reached the protocol-defined LDL-C goals was significantly higher in all MK-0616 groups than the placebo group, making it an extremely effective treatment option.
MK-0616 was found to be well-tolerated with no serious adverse events reported. Across all doses, no clear trend in discontinuation rates was observed, making it a promising candidate for further clinical development.
MK-0616 could revolutionize hypercholesterolemia treatment and become the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor on the market, according to Joerg Koglin, VP of global clinical development at Merck Research Laboratories. If approved, this breakthrough could transform the landscape for patients living with high cholesterol.
In the second half of 2023, the company will launch a Phase III study of MK-0616, an exciting development that marks an important milestone in the journey of this drug. According to Koglin, this is a significant step forward in advancing the drug’s development.
Merck’s revolutionary MK-0616 could be the answer to controlling cholesterol levels. This orally available inhibitor of the PCSK9 enzyme works by disrupting the activity of PCSK9, allowing for an increase in the number of LDL receptors in cells. This means more efficient clearance of LDL-C from the bloodstream, allowing for better cholesterol homeostasis. Take it once a day and feel the effects of a healthier lifestyle.
Competition in Cholesterol Control
MK-0616 may be the first oral drug to target PCSK9, but before its arrival, several injectable inhibitors have already been released to the market. Now, the possibility of an oral medication is on the horizon, providing a new, more convenient option to those seeking to lower their cholesterol levels.
Amgen’s Repatha (evolocumab) has revolutionized the treatment of high cholesterol levels. Approved as far back as 2015, Repatha is a game-changer for those seeking to reduce their cholesterol levels, offering a powerful ally in the fight against high cholesterol when used alongside dietary modifications or other lipid-lowering treatments.
In 2022, Amgen saw a blockbuster year for its cholesterol-lowering drug, Repatha, raking in nearly $1.3 billion in earnings – a 16% surge from 2021. The skyrocketing success of this medicine was spurred by a massive increase in sales volume, despite a moderate dip in its selling price.
The PCSK9 market is a fiercely competitive one, with Regeneron and Sanofi’s Praluent (alirocumab) FDA-approved in 2015 and only weeks ahead of Repatha. Last year, Praluent boasted a healthy $467 million in sales, up 11% from the previous year and $130 million in U.S. sales alone. Despite the intense competition, Praluent remains a powerful force in the PCSK9 marketplace.
Novartis has made a major breakthrough in the hypercholesterolemia market with their small interfering RNA therapy, Leqvio (inclisiran). After gaining FDA approval in December 2021, Leqvio became the first siRNA therapeutic to lower LDL-C, offering a much-needed alternative to existing treatments. The launch of Leqvio is ongoing, and it is already proving to be a key growth driver for Novartis in the fourth quarter of 2022.