Merck's CETP program advances--with caution

Merck's pipeline review this week has focused attention on its plans to develop a CETP inhibitor cholesterol drug in the same category as torcetrapib, a potential blockbuster which was recently shelved by Pfizer after researchers assessed its link to cardiovascular problems. Drug researchers have been hoping that CETP inhibitors in combination with statins will demonstrate an ability to reduce arterial plaque. Merck says that a mid-stage trial of MK-0859 reflected no change in blood pressure among volunteers taking the drug compared to patients taking a placebo. Patients had at least a 50 percent increase in HDL and a 20 percent decrease in LDL. But Merck is proceeding very cautiously, anxious to avoid any repeat of the black eye received from Vioxx. The key question researchers face now is whether torcetrapib was an isolated safety problem or whether the same cardiovascular risks are presented by the entire category. The stakes are high. If Merck's drug can survive the clinical trial process, though, it would have a major blockbuster on its hands.

- read the Wall Street Journal's report on Merck (WSJ sub. req.)

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