WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In Phase IIb study results presented by Merck & Co., Inc., anacetrapib (formerly known as MK-0859), its investigational selective cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, significantly reduced LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) and increased HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and Apolipoprotein A-1 (Apo A-1) both as monotherapy and in combination with atorvastatin 20 mg compared to placebo in patients with dyslipidemia. These results were presented today at the 16th International Symposium on Drugs Affecting Lipid Metabolism (DALM).
The primary endpoint of the eight-week study was LDL-C reduction, with secondary endpoints of HDL-C increases and effects on other lipoproteins and apolipoproteins and blood pressure evaluated across ten treatment groups. In the study, anacetrapib monotherapy at doses of 10 mg, 40 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg reduced LDL-C levels by 16 percent, 27 percent, 40 percent, and 39 percent, and increased HDL-C levels by 44 percent, 86 percent, 139 percent, and 133 percent compared to placebo (two and four percent, respectively) in a dose dependent manner. Anacetrapib co-administered with atorvastatin, across all doses studied, also produced significant incremental reductions in LDL-C and increases in HDL-C compared to atorvastatin alone. The comparative lipid results in the study were statistically significant (p<0.001 vs. placebo for all doses).
“The favorable lipid effects seen in this study with multiple doses of anacetrapib were significant, and confirm the continued evaluation of the clinical benefits of CETP inhibitors in the treatment of dyslipidemia,” said Daniel Bloomfield, M.D., Clinical Research, Merck Research Laboratories. “The decreased LDL-C concentrations, increased HDL-C concentrations and no demonstrable increase in blood pressure seen with anacetrapib are particularly encouraging results of this study.” In addition to these Phase IIb study results, Merck continues to carefully evaluate all of its data and other available information as its plans for anacetrapib are evaluated.
About the lipid changes study endpoints
This double-blind, randomized, parallel-group dose-ranging study evaluated lipid level changes and the safety profile of anacetrapib, administered as monotherapy or co-administered with atorvastatin 20 mg, in 589 patients with dyslipidemia (primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed hyperlipidemia).
The changes in lipoproteins - Apo B (a component of LDL-C) and Apo A-1 (a component of HDL-C) - were consistent with the LDL-C and HDL-C changes seen in the study.
About the tolerability of anacetrapib
Anacetrapib was not associated with a mean increase in blood pressure in any treatment arm. The incidence rates of individual adverse events were similar across the placebo, atorvastatin and active treatment groups (<= 5.5 percent). There were sparse and non-dose-related incidences of clinically important elevations in ALT, AST and CPK. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events or deaths. Treatment-related discontinuations were rare (<= 5 percent) and no patients discontinued due to serious treatment-related adverse events. There were no reports of hepatitis, myopathy or rhabdomyolysis observed in this study.
About CETP inhibition
CETP inhibitors work by inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), a plasma protein that facilitates the transport of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides between the lipoproteins, resulting in higher HDL-cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol-containing particle) and reducing LDL-cholesterol levels (the “bad” cholesterol). It is hypothesized that increased CETP activity may increase the risk for atherosclerosis (the formation of plaques in arteries) and coronary heart disease (CHD) due to increased LDL-C formation, especially in people with elevated triglycerides.
About dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is the elevation of LDL-C and/or triglycerides or a low HDL-C level that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Major modifiable risk factors for atherosclerotic disease include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking and high levels of total cholesterol or LDL-C. Low levels of HDL-C also increase a person’s chances of developing atherosclerosis.
About cardiovascular risk factors
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term referring to diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. CHD, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD), is one of the most common forms of CVD. Major risk factors for CVD include abnormal blood lipids, meaning high LDL-C and triglyceride levels and low HDL-C levels. Researchers hypothesize that HDL-C takes part in the reverse transport of LDL-C from peripheral tissues in the body back to the liver for elimination. It is also theorized that HDL-C suppresses vascular inflammation associated with atherosclerosis and may potentially reduce the risk of injury to blood vessels through an anti-oxidative effect.
About Merck
Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The Company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service. For more information, visit www.merck.com.
Forward-looking statement
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements may include statements regarding product development, product potential or financial performance. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. Merck undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Merck’s business, particularly those mentioned in the risk factors and cautionary statements in Item 1A of Merck’s Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2006, and in its periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, which the Company incorporates by reference.
Contact: Merck & Co., Inc. Media: Ron Rogers, 908-423-6449 Kyra Lindemann, 908-423-4937 or Investors: Graeme Bell, 908-423-5185
Source: Merck & Co., Inc.
