Merck Presents Phase II Data On Chronic Cough Candidate

Merck (NYSE:MRK) presented data from a phase II study on its pipeline candidate MK-7264 (formerly AF-219) at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Annual Conference. The study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and therapeutic dose range of MK-7264 for the treatment of chronic cough.

Data from the study revealed that the highest dose of 50 mg, given twice daily, resulted in reduction of Awake Cough Frequency (coughs/hour), the primary endpoint, by 37% from baseline compared to placebo after 12 weeks of treatment. The 50 mg dose also demonstrated a reduction in patient-reported cough severity. However, lower doses (7.5 mg and 20 mg) were not statistically significant.

The company plans a discussion with regulatory agencies for initiating phase III clinical development of MK-7264 by the end of 2017.

Shares of Merck have outperformed the Zacks-classified Large Cap Pharma industry in the last year. The stock has gained 15.2% during the period, while the broader industry witnessed an increase of 4.3%.



We remind the investors that MK-7264 is also being evaluated in a phase II study for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) with cough. Results from the study, presented at the ATS International Conference last year, showed that MK-7264 significantly reduced cough frequency, otably, MK-7264 was added to Merck’s portfolio following acquisition of the biotech company Afferent Pharmaceuticals in Jul 2016.

According to information provided in the company’s press release, chronic cough is estimated to affect about 10% of adults in the U.S. With no approved therapies for its treatment, there is significant unmet need in this area.

We note that Merck has made significant progress with its pipeline and is working on bringing new products to the market. The company has over 10 candidates (including Keytruda) which are in advanced stages of development. It has prioritized its pipeline so that the candidates with highest potential can get the required support.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

Merck currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other top-placed stocks in the healthcare sector include VIVUS, Inc. (NASDAQ:VVUS) , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) and Bayer (DE:BAYGN) AG (OTC:BAYRY) . Each of these stocks sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

VIVUS’s loss per share estimates narrowed from 50 cents to 39 cents for 2017 in the last 30 days. The company posted positive earnings surprises in all four trailing quarters with an average beat of 233.69%.

Regeneron’s earnings per share estimates increased from $10.16 to $10.52 for 2017 and from $10.90 to $12.10, over last 30 days. The company posted positive earnings surprises in two of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 0.45%.

Bayer’s earnings per share estimates increased from $8.19 to $8.75, over the last 30 days for 2017. The company posted positive earnings surprises in three of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 10.25%.

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