Thursday, October 12, 2017

Surprising No One Dept.: Ebola Vaccine Shined; CETP Inhibitor Anacetrapib Discontinued...


As expected, the placebo controlled results are in on Merck's Ebola vaccine (by way of NewLink) -- and on GSK's two dose version: each works -- and works very well. Not likely to be a huge money maker, but clearly the right thing to do -- in the saving of perhaps hundreds of thousands of at-risk fellow human beings department.

Also as expected, and thus not likely to much move Merck's NYSE price -- Kenilworth will not seek FDA approval for cholesterol management candidate Anacetrapib. The data is just not compelling. And this sort of discipline is to be admired, at Merck. It is a welcome shift from the "Fast Freddie" days at legacy Schering-Plough.

Here's a bit on CETP, from the esteemed John Carroll -- do go read it all:

. . . .The pharma giant looked over a set of positive but troublesome Phase III data for its drug anacetrapib and concluded today that they will relegate it to the same graveyard that has greeted every over CETP heart drug so far. . . .

The decision underscores a tidal shift in drug developer’s standards for launching a big new drug into a major market, where the data has to point to a compelling market opportunity. Failing that, marginal drugs don’t stand a chance, even if they might pass muster at the FDA. . . .


Now you know. And the lovely, copper colored, long legged Jupiter-kissing Juno will make another close plunge over the Jovian poles soon -- more on that later -- as she too floats, with unwasted grace. . . smile.

नमस्ते

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