Merck’s Antibacterial Drug Succeeds in Label Expansion Study

Merck & Co., Inc. MRK announced that a late-stage study evaluating its antibacterial drug, Zerbaxa for two types of pneumonia infections met the primary endpoints

Zerbaxa, a combination of ceftolozane and tazobactam, is presently marketed for some complicated urinary tract infections.

The pivotal phase III study evaluated Zerbaxa for new indications – ventilated hospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) or ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP). Results from the study demonstrated non-inferiority of Zerbaxa to meropenem, the active comparator, thereby meeting the study’s primary endpoint. Based on these data, Merck plans to submit regulatory applications in the United States and EU to get approval for these new indications, which are serious hospital-related pulmonary infections,

So far this year, Merck’s shares have outperformed the industry , rising 22.7% compared with a 4.7% increase for the industry.

Zerbaxa was added to Merck’s portfolio with the 2015 acquisition of Cubist Pharmaceuticaland is part of itshospital acute care portfolio. Other popular products in Merck’s hospital acute care portfolioare Noxafil, Cubicin andBridion.

Source: Nasdaq