Roche partners with Merck vs chronic hepatitis C

BASEL, Switzerland — Roche has announced that it has entered into agreements with Merck, known as MSD outside the United States, through their respective subsidiaries, to improve the treatment, diagnosis and awareness of chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection in the United States.

The companies are working together to extend these agreements to other developed and emerging markets worldwide.

Researchers affiliated with both companies will collaborate to explore new combinations of investigational and marketed medicines.

The aim is to expedite the availability of potential new treatment regimens for patients with HCV.

Under the terms of the non-exclusive agreements in the US, Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, will include boceprevir as part of its promotion to health care professionals on the use of peginterferon alfa-2a in a triple combination therapy regimen. Peginterferon alfa-2a is the foundation of the current standard of care in chronic hepatitis C.

The companies will work together to educate physicians and patients about hepatitis C, including the diagnosis of the disease.

“Triple combination therapy for hepatitis C marks a major change in the way this disease is treated,” said Pascal Soriot, Roche Pharmaceuticals Division’s chief operating officer.

“The use of these medicines in combination offers better treatment outcomes for patients. Roche will work with Merck to provide health care professionals and patients with education about the management of hepatitis C. Both companies will also collaborate to develop improved therapies for this serious disease,” Soriot said.

“These agreements are consistent with both companies’ goal of improving health care outcomes for patients with chronic hepatitis C,” said Adam Schechter, Merck executive vice president and president for global human health.

“Hepatitis C often goes undetected for many years. By working together we will be able to provide physicians, nurses and patients with education about the disease, its diagnosis and treatment options, including the appropriate use of boceprevir,” Schechter added.

Peginterferon alfa-2a is approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. It is approved in the European Union, the US and the People’s Republic of China, among others.

Roche has a long-standing history of innovative and groundbreaking research, and development of new medicines and diagnostic tools, for people living with viral hepatitis.

Building on its responsibilities as market leader, development efforts are underway with several novel molecules, including mericitabine (RG7128), danoprevir (RG7227) and RG7432 that have potential to advance treatment options for hepatitis.  

Roche is also at the forefront in HCV testing and monitoring. Its commitment to health care practitioners and patients is supported by its best-in-class access and support services.