Merck stays the course with 30,000-patient anacetrapib study; DMC recommends continuation with no changes

Nov 13 2015, 08:33 ET | About: Merck & Co Inc. (MRK) | By: Douglas W. House, SA News Editor

Based on its analysis of unblinded trial data, the independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) recommends Merck's (NYSE:MRK) REVEAL outcomes study of anacetrapib continue with no changes. According to clinicaltrials.gov, the estimated completion date for the 30,000-subject trial is January 2017.

Anacetrapib inhibits a protein called cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP), which is designed to elevate HDL cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). CETP inhibitors were all the rage a few years ago over their potential to provide more cardioprotective benefits than lowering LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol). Big Pharma's efforts to push CETP inhibitors over the finish line hit fell flat due to toxicity and less-than-expected efficacy. Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY), Roche (OTCQX:RHHBY), and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) all abandoned their programs.

Merck has not given up, however. It ran a 1,623-subject study, DEFINE, which showed that anacetrapib was both safe and effective and raised HDL by 150%. REVEAL, initiated in 2011, is designed to settle the issue once and for all. The trial will cost upwards of $500M to complete so the company is banking on a positive outcome.