Merck & Co Inc (NYSE:MRK) and Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) will launch a new oral diabetes treatment in the US by the end of this year after it passed a phase III trial with flying colours.
Ertugliflozin, an investigational oral treatment for type 2 diabetes, met its primary endpoint of reducing A1C or blood sugar levels at 26 weeks and also a number of secondary endpoints.
The US application will be for ertugliflozin and two fixed-dose combinations and will be followed by applications in other countries and areas in 2017.
"Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and these study results help support the clinical profile of ertugliflozin as an add-on therapy for patients who may require multiple treatment combinations to help reach their blood sugar goals," said James Rusnak at Pfizer.
Merck's stock added a few cents at US$61.52 while Pfizer shares eased lower at US$33.68.