Xconomy: Merck Unveils Alzheimers and Diabetes Projects, Personnel Changes
Summary
The company discussed new data on its experimental hepatitis C treatment, MK-5172, which it presented last week at the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.In a Phase 2 study, the drug demonstrated activity against mutant forms of the virus that have traditionally not responded to standard treatments.He said the company is undergoing a rigorous review of the pipeline, which involves prioritizing the projects that have the biggest potential to offer significant medical advances and a high return-on-investment.Frazier ensured the crowd that the culture of innovation that has driven Merck’s growth in the past would persist.”We remain confident in our future,” he said.At the start of the meeting, Frazier announced Merck would increase its quarterly dividend 11 percent to 42 cents per common share.