Merck/Ridgeback’s COVID-19 oral drug shows promising Phase 2 data

March 08, 2021 03:25 PM AEDT | By Team Kalkine Media
Follow us on Google News:

Source:zstock,Shutterstock

American pharmaceutical behemoth Merck (NYSE:MRK) and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP disclosed preliminary findings from Phase 2a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial for evaluating the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of molnupiravir to eliminate SARS-CoV-2.

On 6 March 2020, the companies reported findings from one secondary objective from the Phase 2a clinical trial. The trial demonstrated a reduction in time of isolation of coronavirus in participants having symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The companies disclosed that molnupiravir, an investigational oral antiviral agent, demonstrated a quicker reduction in the coronavirus in phase 2a trial among participants having early COVID-19 symptoms.

Source: Copyright © 2021 Kalkine Media Pty Ltd

Molnupiravir is an orally-bioavailable, investigational form of a potent analog of ribonucleoside that prevents the replication of various RNA viruses including SARS-CoV-2.

CMO and senior VP and global clinical development head of Merck Research Laboratories, Dr Roy Baynes, commented:

The lead investigator of the study and a professor of medicine at the University of North Carolina, Dr William Fischer, said that the study’s findings are promising. He further added-

Moreover, the companies disclosed that findings from the primary efficacy as well as safety endpoints, including additional secondary objectives, will be presented at an upcoming medical meeting.

ALSO READ: Two COVID-19 vaccines that are helping the world get over the pandemic

Phase 2a clinical trial details

  • Phase 2a study is a multi-center US-based clinical trial that enrolled 202 non-hospitalised adults who had COVID-19 signs or symptoms within seven days and were confirmed active SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • The trial’s primary objective was the decline in time to viral negativity determined by RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) analysis.
  • The study results remain blinded, and companies will share at a later date.
  • The duo updated the market that other Phase 2 and Phase 2/3 clinical trials are underway.

© Nastyazhi | Megapixl.com

In addition to the ongoing clinical trials, Merck has conducted a thorough nonclinical program for the safety profile characterisation of molnupiravir.

MUST READ: J&J COVID Jab Clears FDA Test, Plans To Rollout 100 Mn Doses By June


Disclaimer

The content, including but not limited to any articles, news, quotes, information, data, text, reports, ratings, opinions, images, photos, graphics, graphs, charts, animations and video (Content) is a service of Kalkine Media Pty Ltd (Kalkine Media, we or us), ACN 629 651 672 and is available for personal and non-commercial use only. The principal purpose of the Content is to educate and inform. The Content does not contain or imply any recommendation or opinion intended to influence your financial decisions and must not be relied upon by you as such. Some of the Content on this website may be sponsored/non-sponsored, as applicable, but is NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold the stocks of the company(s) or engage in any investment activity under discussion. Kalkine Media is neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice through this platform. Users should make their own enquiries about any investments and Kalkine Media strongly suggests the users to seek advice from a financial adviser, stockbroker or other professional (including taxation and legal advice), as necessary. Kalkine Media hereby disclaims any and all the liabilities to any user for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising from any use of the Content on this website, which is provided without warranties. The views expressed in the Content by the guests, if any, are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Kalkine Media. Some of the images/music that may be used on this website are copyright to their respective owner(s). Kalkine Media does not claim ownership of any of the pictures displayed/music used on this website unless stated otherwise. The images/music that may be used on this website are taken from various sources on the internet, including paid subscriptions or are believed to be in public domain. We have used reasonable efforts to accredit the source wherever it was indicated as or found to be necessary.



Top ASX Listed Companies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. OK