Merck, Roche Expand HCV Pact

Merck and Roche will globally promote hepatitis C treatment Victrelis (boceprevir) as part of a triple combination therapy regimen with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (peg/riba), pending marketing approvals.

The companies will work together in global markets, including Europe, Asia and Latin America. The companies previously agreed to promote Victrelis in the U.S. and to explore new treatment regimens for patients with chronic HCV. Financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.

“Reaching physicians with important information about the use of Victrelis in combination with peg/riba is essential as we enter this new era in the field of chronic hepatitis C,” said Adam H. Schechter, executive vice president and president, Global Human Health, Merck. “We’re pleased to work with Roche to help physicians help patients with chronic hepatitis C around the world.”

“Improving treatment outcomes for more patients with chronic hepatitis C is our ultimate goal,” said Pascal Soriot, Roche Pharmaceuticals Division, chief operating officer. “Through this extended collaboration and the education of health care professionals, Roche and Merck aim to ensure that appropriate patients can benefit from triple combination therapy.”