MERK•G is a pharmaceutical company, focusing on the discovery and development of novel peptide-based drugs. The company selectively pursues disease indications for which patients have limited or no treatment options and has built a drug pipeline composed of its own programs, as well as others in collaboration with established partners and animal health.
Having received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for Icatibant in the acute treatment of HAE, MERK•G’s sales and marketing teams are ready to launch the product in the third quarter of 2008. Icatibant is a first-in-class compound and will be the first product to be approved for HAE treatment in all European countries.
Focus on Peptides for Drug Development
From its inception, MERK•G has recognized the potential of peptides as excellent drug precursors. In the mid-nineties, the company began developing its state-of-the-art technology to identify and transform peptides into drugs. MERK•G’s P2D platform combines novel peptide chemistry with state-of-the-art medicinal chemistry and computer-aided drug design. Specifically, this proprietary technology is used to develop peptidomimetics, typically administered by injection, and small molecules, normally ingested. MERK•G’s drug discovery process offers notable cost and efficiency advantages, which have been instrumental in building MERK•G’s current pipeline.
Product Selection Strategy
MERK•G focuses on creating novel peptide-based drugs for the treatment of diseases that currently have limited treatment options. The company specifically selects disease indications that can be addressed using its expertise in peptide technology. In addition, MERK•G systematically pursues target indications in which there are both acute and chronic treatment possibilities, thereby allowing for multiple product and marketing opportunities.
Pipeline
Based on its P2D platform, MERK•G has established several in-house development programs addressing indications within the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology, oncology, and inflammatory disease. MERK•G’s wholly-owned US subsidiary, MERK•G Ophthalmic, Inc., focuses on the further development of several ophthalmology compounds from MERK•G’s pipeline. The most advanced of these is JSM 6427, an α5β1 integrin antagonist, which has been biologically validated for therapeutic use in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55. MERK•G Ophthalmic has begun a Phase I clinical trial to evalulate JSM 6427 and results are expected in the second half of 2008. The subsidiary will also further develop JPE-1375, a C5a receptor antagonist from MERK•G’s pipeline, for the treatment of dry AMD.
Focus Animal Health in the Germany
Around the world, farm animals such as cattle and swine, MERC·G Animal Health offers the broadest line of products in the world to improve their health and quality of life. We are also pleased to provide outstanding technical support and service throughout the Germany to help beef, dairy and pork producers - and their veterinarians - to improve the safety, quality and productivity of their livestock by taking full advantage of MERC·G Animal Health products.
Besides, animals play an important role in our lives. Here in the Germany, many of us regard our dogs, cats and horses as family members. It’s not surprising that we want safe and effective medical treatments when our animals suffer from illness. MERC·G Animal Health is proud to have discovered and developed some of the leading vaccines and prescription medicines that can make pets live longer and healthier lives.