Merck gains after DSMB recommends continuation of IMPROVE-IT

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) added $4.2 billion in market cap on Tuesday after a DSMB recommended continuation of the Phase III IMPROVE-IT trial comparing Vytorin ezetimibe/simvastatin vs. Zocor simvastatin. The news, which analysts including ISI Group's Mark Schoenebaum said "suggests no safety issues" have emerged for Vytorin, sent shares of Merck up $1.38 to $45.04 on Tuesday. IMPROVE-IT, which has enrolled 18,141 patients, is slated to be completed in September 2014 with 5,250 pre-specified primary endpoint events. The pharma ended the day with a valuation of $136.1 billion. ...