Merck's vorapaxar failed to beat placebo in key PhIII

Investigators for Merck unveiled some of the data from their failed late-stage study of the experimental blood thinner vorapaxar, noting that 18.5% in the drug arm experienced a cardiovascular event, compared to 19.9% in the placebo arm. Also, more patients in the vorapaxar arm of the study experienced hemorrhagic stroke. Merck says it will need data from a second study due next year before investigators can determine whether to continue work on the drug. Report