Merck reports SVR12 data for interferon-free HCV combo

Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) presented interim data on Monday showing once-daily oral combinations of MK-5172 plus MK-8742 with or without ribavirin for 12 weeks led to a sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after the end of treatment -- the primary endpoint -- in 96-100% of patients in the Phase II C-WORTHY trial to treat chronic HCV genotype 1 infection. The data -- which were presented at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases meeting -- were from 58 treatment-naïve, non-cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV genotype 1a or 1b infection.

Last month, FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation for an all-oral combination of MK-5172 and MK-8742 to treat chronic HCV infection. MK-5172 is an oral HCV NS3/4A protease complex inhibitor and MK-8742 is an oral NS5A inhibitor. Merck declined to disclose when it plans to start Phase III testing of the compounds. ...