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news.Merck, known as MSD outside the US and Canada, will return the global marketing and development rights of vernakalant intravenous (IV) and oral formulations to Cardiome Pharma.
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The companies are working to smoothly shift activities and make sure the continuous availability of the product in approved countries.
Merck Research Laboratories atherosclerosis and cardiovascular research senior vice president and head Michael Mendelsohn said the firm will continue to support the safety and efficacy profile of vernakalant.
"We look forward to working with Cardiome to conduct a transition that has the best interests of patients and their physicians in mind. Merck remains committed to developing new drugs for cardiovascular diseases," Mendelsohn added.
Vernakalant IV gained European approval for the rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm in adults for non-surgery patients with AF of seven days or less and for post-cardiac surgery patients with AF of three days or less and is marketed as Brinavess in certain countries.
Vernakalant IV is not approved for use in the US or Canada.
Cardiome interim CEO Dr. William Hunter said, "Cardiome looks forward to continued advancement of the launch of BRINAVESS IV worldwide and welcomes the opportunity to continue development of vernakalant oral worldwide and vernakalant IV in North America."