Merck Provides Update on Development Program for Suvorexant, an Investigational Orexin Receptor Antagonist for the Treatment of Insomnia

Published on Monday, 06 February 2012 08:50 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.-( Business Wire )-

Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today provided an update on the development program for suvorexant, the company's investigational orexin receptor antagonist, which, if approved, will be a new mechanism for the treatment of insomnia. The two pivotal Phase III efficacy trials for suvorexant have been completed and, based on the positive results of these studies, Merck plans to file a New Drug Application (NDA) for suvorexant with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012.

Both Phase III studies were multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials that evaluated suvorexant compared to placebo in adult patients ages 18 years and older. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in subjective total sleep time and time to sleep onset, wake time after persistent sleep onset, and latency to onset of persistent sleep at one and three months. Merck plans to submit these data for presentation at major medical meetings later this year.

Suvorexant is one of the five major U.S. filings Merck anticipates for 2012 and 2013.

"Suvorexant selectively targets an important pathway involved in helping to promote sleep and, if approved, will be a new, first-in-class treatment for patients with insomnia," said Peter S. Kim, president, Merck Research Laboratories. "We are enthusiastic about the potential of this investigational medicine, and look forward to sharing the results from these studies with the medical community."

About Merck

Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

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