Merck's sprifermin passes Phase II test in OA

Merck KGaA (Xetra:MRK) reported data from the Phase II FORWARD trial to treat osteoarthritis of the knee showing that sprifermin (AS902330) met the primary endpoint, suggesting that the candidate could be a disease-modifying treatment for the indication. Compared to placebo, intra-articular sprifermin dose-dependently and significantly increased cartilage thickness in the total femorotibial joint from baseline to two years as measured by MRI. The pharma said the data are the first to show an increase in cartilage thickness as opposed to a delay in decreasing cartilage thickness.

Data are to be presented Tuesday at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals meeting in San Diego...