Merck Scraps Osteoporosis Drug Development On Increased Risk Of Stroke

Merck & Co. said Friday it is scrapping the development of osteoporosis treatment odanacatib and will no longer seek regulatory approval for its use. "We are disappointed that the overall benefit-risk profile for odanacatib does not support filing or further development," said Roger M. Perlmutter, M.D., Ph.D., president, Merck Research Laboratories. An independent review of the drug confirmed an increased risk of stroke, the company said in a statement. Merck shares were not yet active in premarket trade, but are up 19% in the year so far, while the S&P 500 has gained 6%.