"Research and development is adding strength and breadth to Schering-Plough as we continue our transformation," said
"Our goal remains the same: Deliver high performance for the long term," said Hassan. "We believe that having this robust pipeline, including several potential first-in-class and/or best-in-class compounds, is a key step toward achieving that goal."
R&D Pipeline and Discovery Highlights
In reviewing the company's portfolio, presenters highlighted the following projects in the company's pipeline:
-- Thrombin Receptor Antagonist (TRA), a novel antiplatelet agent that can potentially prevent the formation of deadly blood clots without adding a significant bleeding risk (in Phase III); approximately 13,000 patients have been enrolled in its Phase III program targeted to include 30,000 patients; -- SIMPONI(TM)* (golimumab), a once-monthly subcutaneous anti-TNF agent for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders (under review in EU for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, and in Phase III for ulcerative colitis); Schering-Plough has exclusive marketing rights to golimumab outside the U.S. except in Japan and certain other Asian markets; -- SAPHRIS(TM)** (asenapine), a novel psychopharmacologic agent (under U.S. review for schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder); pivotal relapse-prevention data were presented showing that only 12 percent of patients receiving asenapine relapsed at the specified endpoint versus 47 percent of patients receiving placebo; -- BRIDION(R) (sugammadex), the first and only selective relaxant binding agent for reversing neuromuscular blockade in anesthesia (approved in EU; under review in U.S. and Japan); -- Boceprevir, an oral protease inhibitor for treating hepatitis C with peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy (in Phase III); 24-week sustained viral response (SVR) data were presented showing that 75 percent of patients achieved SVR; in addition, a next-generation protease inhibitor in Phase II for treating hepatitis C was unveiled, with the potential to offer once-daily dosing and having 10 times the in vitro potency of current protease inhibitors in late-phase development; -- Mometasone furoate and formoterol (MFF), an inhaled combination therapy for asthma and COPD (completing Phase III); pivotal data from Phase III trials in asthma were presented showing that MFF met its primary endpoints; and -- Preladenant, a novel and selective adenosine2a receptor antagonist for Parkinson's disease (completing Phase II); results of a Phase II dose-finding trial in patients suffering from moderate to severe Parkinson's disease were reported showing that preladenant met the primary endpoint.
Presenters reviewed a range of other therapies in various stages of development in the company's six therapeutic areas: allergy/respiratory; cardiovascular/metabolic; central nervous system; immunology/infectious disease; oncology; and women's health.
Several earlier-stage research projects were also unveiled for the first time, including:
-- Two monoclonal antibodies for oncology -- robatumumab (anti-IGF-1R) in Phase II and anti-HGF in Phase I; -- Two projects for Alzheimer's -- a beta secretase inhibitor and a gamma secretase inhibitor; and -- A novel anti-inflammatory agent, anti-IL-23, in Phase I for chronic inflammatory conditions.
In Animal Health, the company highlighted its global leadership position and diverse portfolio and pipeline, with more than 120 small-molecule projects and 140 biological projects under way. The company also highlighted three growth corridors for Schering-Plough: companion animal; parasiticides; and geographic expansion in the U.S.,
Webcast Information
A replay of the webcast of Schering-Plough's "R&D Update" meeting is available by going to the Investor Relations section of the Schering-Plough corporate Web site, www.schering-plough.com, and clicking on the "Presentations/Webcasts" link. The replay will be available starting on
Disclosure Notice
DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information in this press release, the comments of Schering-Plough speakers during the R&D Update meeting and webcast on
* SIMPONI is a trademark owned by Centocor, Inc. and licensed to Schering-Plough for use (subject to regulatory approval) with golimumab products in its territory (including the EU); the SIMPONI trademark is under regulatory review in the U.S.
** The SAPHRIS trademark is under regulatory review in the U.S.
About Schering-Plough
Schering-Plough is an innovation-driven, science-centered global health care company. Through its own biopharmaceutical research and collaborations with partners, Schering-Plough creates therapies that help save and improve lives around the world. The company applies its research-and-development platform to human prescription, animal health and consumer health care products. Schering-Plough's vision is to "Earn Trust, Every Day" with the doctors, patients, customers and other stakeholders served by its colleagues around the world. The company is based in
SOURCE Schering-Plough Corporation