Merck MASH asset efinopegdutide meets primary goal in mid-stage trial

Merck (MRK) reported positive Phase 2b trial results for Efinopegdutide, showing MASH resolution rates of 56-63% vs. 13% for placebo. The study met primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating improvement in liver scarring. The drug received FDA Fast Track Designation. MRK stock closed at $148.76, up 1.38%.

Merck reported positive phase 2b trial results for its liver drug efinopegdutide, showing significant improvement in MASH patients. The drug resolved MASH in 56-63% of patients across doses, compared to 13% on placebo. Novo Nordisk's semaglutide also showed 53% efficacy. Merck licensed the drug from Hanmi Pharmaceutical in 2020. The results position Merck in a growing MASH market, with competitors like Madrigal Pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim also advancing treatments.

Merck's experimental drug efinopegdutide showed positive results in a Phase 2b trial for treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), resolving the disease in up to 63% of patients after 52 weeks. The trial involved 381 adults with moderate or advanced fibrosis, with varying doses of the drug compared to placebo. Merck licensed the drug from Hanmi Pharmaceutical and it has received FDA Fast Track designation.

Merck (MRK) reported positive Phase 2b trial results for efinopegdutide, a GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonist, in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis with liver fibrosis. The trial met its primary endpoint, with 56-63% of participants achieving MASH resolution across different doses, compared to 13% for placebo. The drug received FDA Fast Track designation and is being developed under a licensing agreement with Hanmi Pharmaceutical.

Merck (MRK) reported positive Phase 2b trial results for efinopegdutide, an investigational treatment for MASH with stage 2-3 fibrosis. The study met primary endpoints, showing 56-63% MASH resolution across doses vs. 13% for placebo. Efinopegdutide demonstrated meaningful fibrosis improvements and a safety profile consistent with semaglutide. The drug has FDA Fast Track designation.

Merck reported Phase 2b trial results for its MASH treatment, efinopegdutide, showing 56%–63% resolution rates across doses versus 13% for placebo. Fibrosis improvement rates ranged from 34% to 52%, compared to 21% for placebo. The trial met its primary endpoint, but further development is needed for regulatory approval.