Latest news with #clinicalstudies
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck Starts Phase III Studies on Once-Monthly Pill for HIV Prevention
Merck MRK recently launched two late-stage clinical studies to evaluate MK-8527, its investigational once-monthly oral pill for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The EXPrESSIVE-11 study, which starts enrolment next month, will assess the drug in individuals at high risk of HIV-1 exposure across 16 countries. The second study, EXPrESSIVE-10, will focus on sexually active women aged 16 to 30 in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda, with enrollment expected to begin in the coming months. Combined, the two studies will enrol nearly 9,000 participants and pit MK-8527 against Gilead Sciences' GILD daily oral PrEP pill Truvada. MK-8527 is designed to block an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which HIV uses to replicate. The initiation of the two late-stage studies is supported by results from a phase II study that showed similar rates of adverse events between the treatment and placebo arms. Detailed data from this study will be presented tomorrow at the 13th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science. Merck is sponsoring both late-stage studies, with grant funding from the Gates Foundation. Merck's Stock Performance The stock has underperformed the industry so far this year, as shown in the chart below. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research MRK's Efforts to Boost HIV Program Merck is building a competitive HIV franchise, targeting both prevention and treatment. In addition to MK-8527, the company is also advancing once-daily and once-weekly oral treatments for the disease. Last week, Merck announced that the FDA had accepted a regulatory filing seeking approval for its investigational, once-daily, two-drug, single-tablet regimen of doravirine/islatravir (DOR/ISL) for treating virologically suppressed adults with HIV-1 infection. A final decision is expected by April 28, 2026. Doravirine, in combination with other antiretrovirals and as a single agent, is approved under the trade name Pifeltro for treating adults with HIV-1 in the United States. It is also approved as a component of a single-tablet regimen under the trade name Delstrigo for treating HIV-1. In collaboration with Gilead, Merck is assessing the investigational once-weekly, two-drug, single tablet regimen of islatravir/lenacapavir (ISL/LEN) across two late-stage studies in virologically suppressed people with HIV-1. MRK is also evaluating the combination of islatravir with another investigational drug called ulonivirine in a phase II study as an oral once-weekly treatment for HIV-1. Collectively, these efforts also reflect Merck's intent to diversify beyond oncology and become a major player in the HIV therapeutic space. Stiff Competition in the HIV Space Merck's growing HIV portfolio positions it to compete with Gilead, which has a market-leading portfolio of HIV drugs. At present, there are two FDA-approved daily oral medications for PrEP — Truvada and Descovy — both marketed solely by GILD. The successful development and potential approval of MK-8527 is likely to challenge the dominance of Gilead in the PrEP space. Gilead also markets the flagship drug Biktarvy – the number-one prescribed regimen for both treatment-naïve and switch patients. If approved, Merck's DOR/ISL would compete with Biktarvy for market share. Gilead recently achieved a breakthrough in the fight against the HIV epidemic after the FDA approved its twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, for the prevention of HIV. This marks the first and only twice-yearly PrEP option available in the United States. The drug will be marketed under the brand name Yeztugo. Another major player in the HIV space is GSK plc GSK, which also markets multiple drugs in this space. GSK's HIV portfolio sales are being driven by strong patient demand for Cabenuva, Apretude and Dovato. The company is also focused on developing the next generation of HIV innovation with integrase inhibitors for treatment as well as prevention. Merck & Co., Inc. Price Merck & Co., Inc. price | Merck & Co., Inc. Quote MRK's Zacks Rank Merck currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report GSK PLC Sponsored ADR (GSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Health Line
6 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
Ozempic Heartburn
Some people have reported on social media that they experience heartburn or acid reflux during Ozempic treatment. You can try some things to help prevent or lessen heartburn during Ozempic treatment. Is heartburn typical during Ozempic treatment? Ozempic's clinical studies didn't report heartburn. But the prescribing information notes the following mild side effects that often link to heartburn. gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (acid reflux): This can cause a burning feeling in your chest, neck, or throat. It can also cause a bitter or sour taste in the back of your mouth and regurgitation of food or liquid into your mouth. (Regurgitation involves 'bringing up' partially digested food or liquid.) burping or belching dyspepsia (indigestion): This side effect can cause burning or discomfort in your upper abdomen and other symptoms. gastritis (inflammation or irritation of your stomach lining): This side effect causes nausea, vomiting, and fullness in your upper abdomen. gas The studies reported these side effects with the use of 5-milligram (mg) and 1-mg doses of Ozempic. Except for gas, people experienced these side effects more commonly with the 5-mg dose. Since the drug became available, some people have reported having heartburn during Ozempic treatment. Although it can be mild, some people taking the drug reported intense heartburn. Some also reported that it affected their sleep and some everyday activities. How do you stop heartburn during Ozempic treatment? Some people find home remedies or practices helpful in stopping heartburn during Ozempic treatment. These include: drinking more water drinking a glass of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar avoiding lying down until the heartburn passes using a wedge pillow or elevating the head of your bed Numerous medications are also available over the counter or by prescription for heartburn. Some of these medications help prevent heartburn or acid reflux, and others treat it once it starts. These medications include: Antacids: Antacids neutralize your stomach acid, which may reduce or treat heartburn. Some brand-name antacid medications are: Alka-Seltzer Mylanta Pepto-Bismol Rolaids Tums Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): PPIs work to reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Some examples are: esomeprazole (Nexium) pantoprazole (Protonix) omeprazole (Prilosec) Histamine-2 (H2) blockers: H2 blockers reduce the acid your stomach produces. Some H2 blockers are: nizatidine (Axid) famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC) cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB) Your doctor may recommend a particular medication for your heartburn and acid reflux. They'll also recommend the best time to take it. How do you prevent heartburn during Ozempic treatment? You can do some things to help prevent or lessen heartburn during Ozempic treatment. These include: eating smaller meals eating slower avoiding eating meals and snacks 3 to 4 hours before bedtime avoiding lying down soon after meals considering stopping smoking, if you smoke limiting the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin considering avoiding or limiting your intake of alcohol reducing stress avoiding or limiting certain foods Foods to avoid or limit Certain foods can contribute to the amount of acid your stomach produces, which may cause heartburn. These foods are: certain beverages, such as carbonated drinks, tea, and coffee fatty, greasy, or fried foods fast foods spicy foods certain fruits and vegetables high in acid, such as tomatoes, pineapples, and oranges Avoiding or limiting these foods may help prevent or reduce the heartburn you might experience during Ozempic treatment.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals to Submit MUMS (Minor Use/Minor Species) Designation Request to FDA for Tafenoquine for Acute Canine Babesiosis in 2025
Data from three independent clinical studies demonstrate utility of tafenoquine to treat acute canine babesiosis WASHINGTON, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SXTP; SXTPW) ('60 Degrees' or the 'Company'), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines for infectious diseases, today announced that the Company will conduct a gap analysis of its existing data prior to submitting a Minor Use Minor Species (MUMS) designation request to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for tafenoquine for the treatment of acute canine babesiosis. The submission will be based on results of three clinical efficacy studies that evaluated ARAKODA® (tafenoquine) for canine babesiosis, and existing canine safety data and chemistry manufacturing and controls (CMC) data for tafenoquine generated through the clinical development of ARAKODA for malaria. The clinical efficacy studies involved experimental Babesia infections and dogs diagnosed with naturally acquired Babesia infection in veterinary clinics. One of the studies was company-sponsored and conducted at North Carolina State University. Collectively, the studies showed that tafenoquine, administered as ARAKODA tablets, was well tolerated and appeared to facilitate recovery from acute infection. Every year in the United States, several hundred to several thousand cases of canine babesiosis are seen. It is an emerging tick-borne illness carried by the same tick vector as Lyme Disease. No FDA-approved oral treatment for canine babesiosis exists, and currently available treatments carry significant toxicity risk or the propensity to generate drug resistance. 'Data from the canine babesiosis studies are impactful when viewed in the larger context of the ground-breaking human babesiosis research we are now sponsoring,' said Chief Executive Officer of 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Geoff Dow. 'The positive findings of the canine babesiosis study are in line with our earlier findings that tafenoquine could be effective against babesiosis in humans.' About ARAKODA® (tafenoquine)Tafenoquine was discovered by Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Tafenoquine was approved for malaria prophylaxis in 2018 in the United States as ARAKODA® and in Australia as KODATEF®. Both were commercially launched in 2019 and are currently distributed through pharmaceutical wholesaler networks in each respective country. They are available at retail pharmacies as a prescription-only malaria prevention drug. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the long terminal half-life of tafenoquine, which is approximately 16 days, offers the advantage of less frequent dosing for the prophylaxis of malaria. ARAKODA® is not suitable for everyone, and patients and prescribers should review the Important Safety Information below. Individuals at risk of contracting malaria are prescribed ARAKODA® 2 x 100 mg tablets once per day for three days (the loading phase) prior to travel to an area of the world where malaria is endemic, 2 x 100 mg tablets weekly for up to six months during travel, then 2 x 100 mg in the week following travel. Tafenoquine has not been proven to be effective for treatment or prevention of babesiosis and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for such an indication. ARAKODA® (tafenoquine) Important Safety Information ARAKODA® is an antimalarial indicated for the prophylaxis of malaria in patients aged 18 years and older. Contraindications ARAKODA® should not be administered to: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase ('G6PD') deficiency or unknown G6PD status; Breastfeeding by a lactating woman when the infant is found to be G6PD deficient or if G6PD status is unknown; Patients with a history of psychotic disorders or current psychotic symptoms; or Known hypersensitivity reactions to tafenoquine, other 8-aminoquinolines, or any component of ARAKODA®. Warnings and Precautions Hemolytic Anemia: G6PD testing must be performed before prescribing ARAKODA® due to the risk of hemolytic anemia. Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of hemolysis. G6PD Deficiency in Pregnancy or Lactation: ARAKODA® may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman with a G6PD-deficient fetus. ARAKODA® is not recommended during pregnancy. A G6PD-deficient infant may be at risk for hemolytic anemia from exposure to ARAKODA® through breast milk. Check infant's G6PD status before breastfeeding begins. Methemoglobinemia: Asymptomatic elevations in blood methemoglobin have been observed. Initiate appropriate therapy if signs or symptoms of methemoglobinemia occur. Psychiatric Effects: Serious psychotic adverse reactions have been observed in patients with a history of psychosis or schizophrenia, at doses different from the approved dose. If psychotic symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, or grossly disorganized thinking or behavior) occur, consider discontinuation of ARAKODA® therapy and evaluation by a mental health professional as soon as possible. Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions have been observed with administration of ARAKODA®. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, institute appropriate therapy. Delayed Adverse Reactions: Due to the long half-life of ARAKODA® (approximately 16 days), psychiatric effects, hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia, and hypersensitivity reactions may be delayed in onset and/or duration. Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (incidence greater than or equal to 1 percent) were: headache, dizziness, back pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), motion sickness, insomnia, depression, abnormal dreams, and anxiety. Drug Interactions Avoid co-administration with drugs that are substrates of organic cation transporter-2 or multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters. Use in Specific Populations Lactation: Advise women not to breastfeed a G6PD-deficient infant or infant with unknown G6PD status during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of ARAKODA®. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1- 888-834-0225 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or The full prescribing information of ARAKODA® is located here. About 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc.60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc., founded in 2010, specializes in developing and marketing new medicines for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases that affect the lives of millions of people. 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. achieved FDA approval of its lead product, ARAKODA® (tafenoquine), for malaria prevention, in 2018. 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. also collaborates with prominent research organizations in the U.S., Australia, and Singapore. The 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. mission has been supported through in-kind funding from the U.S. Department of Defense and private institutional investors including Knight Therapeutics Inc., a Canadian-based pan-American specialty pharmaceutical company. 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is headquartered in Washington D.C., with a majority-owned subsidiary in Australia. Learn more at The statements contained herein may include prospects, statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements reflect the current view about future events. When used in this press release, the words 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'estimate,' 'expect,' 'future,' 'intend,' 'plan,' or the negative of these terms and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward‐looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, activities of regulators and future regulations and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: there is substantial doubt as to our ability to continue on a going-concern basis; we might not be eligible for Australian government research and development tax rebates; if we are not able to successfully develop, obtain FDA approval for, and provide for the commercialization of non-malaria prevention indications for tafenoquine (ARAKODA® or other regimen) or Celgosivir in a timely manner, we may not be able to expand our business operations; we may not be able to successfully conduct planned clinical trials or patient recruitment in our trials might be slow or negligible; and we have no manufacturing capacity which puts us at risk of lengthy and costly delays of bringing our products to market. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'), including the information contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024, and our subsequent SEC filings. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC's website at As a result of these matters, changes in facts, assumptions not being realized or other circumstances, the Company's actual results may differ materially from the expected results discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Media Contacts:Sheila A. BurkeSheilaBurke-consultant@ 667-6330 Investor Contact:Patrick Gaynespatrickgaynes@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
