Merck made the decision to discontinue development of MK-0354, an investigational niacin receptor, following completion of a phase II clinical trial that evaluated patients with dyslipidemia.
Arena commented that the exploration of additional investigational niacin receptor agonists for the treatment of atherosclerosis and related disorders will continue under the partnership.
“We look forward to further evaluating the therapeutic potential of niacin receptor agonists through our partnership with Arena,” said Kathleen Metters, senior vice president, basic research, Merck Research Laboratories.
Atherosclerosis is characterized by the collection of fatty material deposits along artery walls this can block arteries leading to an increase in heart attack and stroke.