Merck’s remigromig meets non-inferiority goal in diabetic eye disease trial

Merck presented one-year BRUNELLO results on October 10, 2026, showing that both remigromig doses achieved non-inferior visual-acuity gains versus monthly ranibizumab in diabetic macular edema. Mean gains were +9.1 letters for 0.5 mg and +8.7 letters for 0.8 mg, compared with +11.8 letters for ranibizumab, and no secondary endpoint showed superiority. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy events were more frequent with remigromig, and Merck plans to review the findings with regulators.

The data support continued development of remigromig but do not show an efficacy advantage over the established comparator. The higher reported rate of proliferative diabetic retinopathy events is a safety consideration as Merck conducts further analyses and engages with regulators.

  • 1The BRUNELLO trial enrolled 984 participants receiving remigromig 0.5 mg, remigromig 0.8 mg, or ranibizumab 0.5 mg.
  • 2Proliferative diabetic retinopathy events occurred in 6.7% of patients on remigromig 0.5 mg and 6.1% on 0.8 mg, versus 0.9% with ranibizumab.
  • 3Treatment discontinuations caused by adverse events were 4.9% with remigromig 0.5 mg and 4.5% with 0.8 mg, compared with 0.9% for ranibizumab.
  • 4Merck said the BRUNELLO findings will be discussed with regulatory authorities.

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