Posted by Elizabeth on January 26, 1999, at 10:22:51
In reply to Re: Substance P drug???, posted by Annie on January 25, 1999, at 7:13:23
The latest rumor that I've heard (well, actually it was a Reuters article) is that Merck regards the problems in the MK-869 depression trials to stem not from problems with the drug itself but from a high placebo response rate.
They were comparing MK-869 to Paxil and placebo, and the placebo response rate was so high that Paxil appeared to be no better than the placebo. (Merck appeared to be blaming Paxil for this, but anyway....)
I'd like to see the results of the various individual trials that were conducted at various sites.
They are going to continue with the Substance P antagonist train of research, but will be using a different drug in future studies. However, this sets them back a year or so, at least.
poster:Elizabeth
thread:2649
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990201/msgs/2677.html