Bridion sugammadex: Phase III completed

Merck disclosed in its 3Q12 earnings that it completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase III trial comparing 4 mg/kg IV sugammadex vs. the usual care of neostigmine or spontaneous recovery in 1,198 patients receiving thromboprophylaxis and undergoing hip fracture surgery or joint replacement. The pharma expects to present data from the trial at a scientific forum next year. Sugammadex is approved as Bridion in the EU for reversal of muscle relaxants rocuronium or vecuronium, which are given as part of general anesthesia to relax a patient's muscles during surgery. ...