Merck

Lipfendra can be taken in conjunction with or an alternative to statins, the most prescribed medication in the USSign up for the Breaking News US newsletter email The drug giant Merck on Thursday announced it had received FDA approval for a daily pill that can be an alternative to statins for treating high LDL levels, or so-called bad cholesterol. The new pill, Lipfendra, is a version of a drug called a PCSK9 inhibitor.For decades the go-to therapy to treat high cholesterol levels has been statins, the most prescribed medication in the US. But statins come occasionally with side effects like muscle aches and they sometimes don’t drop cholesterol levels enough to meet recommended levels. Continue reading...

• The U.S. FDA has approved Merck's pneumococcal vaccine for expanded use in children and teenagers with chronic health conditions that increase their risk of infection. • This follows a June 2024 approval for adults and is based on a late-stage trial of 874 participants where the vaccine matched or outperformed the older PPSV23 version. • The approval is critical because pneumococcal disease can cause life-threatening conditions, including meningitis, pneumonia, and blood infections, particularly in high-risk youth.

• Merck & Co. is considering the use of molnupiravir, an antiviral drug previously authorized for COVID-19 treatment, to combat a worsening Ebola outbreak in central Africa. • The move comes as governments and health authorities struggle to respond to the escalating public health crisis in the region. • Repurposing an existing antiviral could provide a faster therapeutic option for patients as the outbreak intensifies.

• Pfizer and Merck announced the end of merger discussions Thursday after two months of negotiations, citing differing strategic visions and regulatory complexities that would have prolonged deal closure beyond acceptable timelines. • Combined company valuations, patent portfolios, and integration challenges proved insurmountable, with sources indicating antitrust concerns from the Department of Justice would have required substantial asset divestitures. • Both pharmaceutical giants pledged to pursue independent research and development pipelines, with Pfizer increasing R&D spending by 8% and Merck announcing targeted acquisitions in oncology and immunology sectors.