Merck Migraine Study Looks Solid (MRK)
Big Pharma hasn’t been able to catch much of a break lately. Maybe the results from a migraine study will help Merck & Co. (NYSE: MRK) get off the floor today after it presented data at the American Headache Society (AHS) annual meeting.
Merck noted that results in a Phase III clinical trial for telcagepant (formerly MK-0974), its investigational oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, significantly improved relief of migraine pain and migraine-associated symptoms two hours after dosing compared to placebo.
In addition, the efficacy results for telcagepant 300 mg were similar to the highest recommended dose of zolmitriptan,(1) an approved migraine therapy, with a lower incidence of adverse events associated with telcagepant in this study. The new data were
Merck continues to anticipate filing a New Drug Application for telcagepant with the FDA in 2009. Merck shares are up 2% today at $36.94, down from a 52-week high of $61.62.
Jon Ogg
June 27, 2008