Om MSD:s cancerforskning gällande multipelt myelom

Patient enrollment in VANTAGE 95 continues at 72 sites in 13 countries

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J., 16 FEB. 2010 - Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD) today announced that an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) recommended the continuation of VANTAGE 95, a Phase IIb clinical study of the investigational use of vorinostat in combination with bortezomib in patients with late-stage relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who were refractory to bortezomib.

Vorinostat has not received marketing authorization in Sweden or EU, but is marketed as ZOLINZA® in the U.S. and Canada. Vorinostat is an oral histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor manufactured by MSD. Vorinostat inhibits the enzymatic activity of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC3 (Class 1) and HDAC 6 (Class II) at nanomolar concentrations (IC50<86nM). The exact mechanism of the anticancer effect of vorinostat has not been fully characterized. Vorinostat is currently indicated, in U.S. and Canada, only for the treatment of cutaneous manifestations in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who have progressive, persistent or recurrent disease on or following two systemic therapies. The efficacy and safety of vorinostat for the treatment of cancers other than cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) has not been established.

"This is a unique study in a patient population that has exhausted all other currently available treatment options," said Eric Rubin, M.D., vice president, oncology clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories. "We are pleased that the DSMB has recommended continuing the investigation of vorinostat for the treatment of late-stage relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma, and we look forward to completing enrollment for VANTAGE 95."

About VANTAGE 95 and Multiple Myeloma

VANTAGE (Vorinostat Clinical Trials in Hematological and Solid Malignancies) 95 is an ongoing international, multicenter, open-label Phase IIb clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vorinostat in combination with bortezomib in patients with multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to prior treatment regimens, including thalidomide or lenalidomide and refractory to bortezomib. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer characterized by the uncontrolled production of plasma cells in the bone marrow. The overproduction of plasma cells results in reduced production of red and white blood cells and platelets.

About MSD Oncology

MSD is committed to advancing all aspects of cancer care - prevention, treatment and supportive care. Through strong internal research capabilities, selective alliances and acquisitions, and enabling technologies, MSD is looking to lead in the discovery, development and delivery of targeted anticancer therapies.

About MSD

Today's MSD is working to help the world be well. Through our medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer and animal products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching programs that donate and deliver our products to the people who need them. MSD. Be Well.

Om MSD i Sverige

MSD och Schering-Plough är dotterbolag till det globala hälso- och sjukvårdsföretaget Merck & Co., Inc. Vi har en bred produktportfölj av både receptbelagda och receptfria läkemedel, vacciner och veterinärmedicin, och vi arbetar för att göra skillnad för många människor världen över. MSD och Schering-Plough går i Sverige samman under namnet MSD. De svenska kontoren ligger i Sollentuna och Stockholm och har tillsammans cirka 300 anställda. I Sverige marknadsför det nya MSD läkemedel och genomför kliniska prövningar inom bland annat följande sjukdomsområden: kardiologi, immunologi, diabetes, infektionssjukdomar, astma/allergi, kvinnohälsa, cancer, dermatologi och centrala nervsystemets sjukdomar. Läs mer på www.msd.se

För ytterligare information, vänligen kontakta:

Ulf Janzon Informationsansvarig, MSD Tfn: +46 (0)8-626 47 61 Mobil: +46 (0)70 - 355 08 52 E-post: ulf.janzon@merck.com

Anna Åleskog Medicinsk rådgivare, MSD Tfn: +46 (0)8-626 14 42 Mobil: +46 (0)76 885 00 15 E-post: anna.aleskog@merck.com