Merck beat Bellus, but their full cough data aren't earning much enthusiasm
It seemed for a few months earlier this year that investors might parse the full Phase III data for Merck’s chronic cough drug like a religious text.
In March, the NJ pharma announced the experimental drug, gefapixant, met the primary endpoint in two Phase III studies. But they didn’t disclose data and Bellus Health, a biotech that once nearly went under, was nearing Phase II data for a similar drug. Bellus’ stock actually rose on the Merck data, as the drugs used similar mechanisms and Bellus argued theirs would come with better safety. A showdown was afoot.
Unlock this article instantly by becoming a free subscriber.
You’ll get access to free articles each month, plus you can customize what newsletters get delivered to your inbox each week, including breaking news.
