Merck (NYSE: MRK), also known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, announced plans to present new research at IDWeek 2024 in Los Angeles, CA, from October 16-19. The company will showcase the latest findings on its expanding vaccines and infectious disease portfolio, as well as its innovative pipeline.
The presentations will include a late-breaker oral presentation of detailed positive results from a Phase 2b/3 trial of clesrovimab (MK-1654), an investigational monoclonal antibody aimed at preventing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in infants. Additionally, data from the Phase 3 STRIDE-8 trial evaluating CAPVAXIVE™ (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine) for adults aged 18-64 at increased risk of pneumococcal disease will be presented. Another late-breaker oral presentation will feature Week 48 data from a Phase 2 study investigating a once-weekly oral combination treatment for HIV-1 infection, consisting of Merck’s islatravir and Gilead’s lenacapavir.
“The range of innovative research we’re sharing at IDWeek 2024 reflects our dedication to addressing global health needs, such as RSV,” said Dr. Paula Annunziato, senior vice president of infectious diseases and vaccines at Merck Research Laboratories. “We take pride in our long-standing commitment to preventing and treating serious infectious diseases across all age groups, and we look forward to presenting these new findings.”
Key presentations from Merck’s research at IDWeek 2024 will include:
- Data from the Phase 2b/3 study of clesrovimab (MK-1654), evaluating its effectiveness as a single-dose prophylactic treatment for both pre-term and full-term infants (Abstract #166, Late Breaker Oral Abstract Session: Respiratory Viruses Across All Ages).
- Interim analysis results from the Phase 3 trial comparing clesrovimab to palivizumab in infants and children at increased risk for severe RSV (Abstract #167, Late Breaker Oral Abstract Session: Respiratory Viruses Across All Ages).
- Findings from the Phase 3 STRIDE-8 trial assessing CAPVAXIVE™ in vaccine-naïve adults aged 18-64 at heightened risk of pneumococcal disease (Abstract #45, Poster Session: Adult Vaccines).
- Week 48 data from the Phase 2 study on once-weekly oral islatravir combined with lenacapavir (Abstract #577, Late Breaker Oral Abstract Session: What’s Going Viral).
- Results from the SPECTRA study, which evaluates real-world prescribing patterns and the effectiveness of ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), along with updates from the SMART surveillance program, which monitors antimicrobial resistance trends.
These findings emphasize Merck’s ongoing efforts to address global health challenges and expand treatment and prevention options across various infectious diseases.
About Clesrovimab (MK-1654)
Clesrovimab (MK-1654) is an investigational, extended half-life monoclonal antibody (mAb) developed as a passive immunization for the prevention of RSV. Clesrovimab is designed to be administered as the same single dose, regardless of birth weight, and is being studied in healthy pre-term, full-term and at-risk infants to provide direct, rapid and durable protection through their first RSV season against mild, moderate and severe RSV.
About CAPVAXIVE
CAPVAXIVE is Merck’s approved 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia in adults 18 years of age and older. CAPVAXIVE is specifically designed to help address Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes predominantly responsible for adult invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), including eight unique serotypes, 15A, 15C, 16F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, and 35B compared to other pneumococcal vaccines. CAPVAXIVE is administered as a single dose.
