Merck and Roche Establish Strategic Agreements in Fight Against Chronic Hepatitis C

Merck MRK, known as MSD outside the United States, announced today that it has entered into agreements with Roche (RHHBY), through their respective subsidiaries, to improve treatment, diagnosis and awareness of chronic hepatitis C infection in developed and emerging markets. In addition, researchers affiliated with both companies will collaborate to examine novel combinations of marketed and investigational medicines from both organizations to expedite the availability of potential new treatment regimens for patients with HCV. Under the terms of the non-exclusive agreements, Roche will promote VICTRELIS to physicians as part of a triple combination therapy regimen, starting with the United States, and Merck and Roche will work together to educate physicians and patients about hepatitis C, including diagnosis. The companies are also working together to extend the agreement to other developed and emerging markets globally.