Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today that it has signed a new non-exclusive agreement with Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), through the companies' respective subsidiaries, for the global promotion, upon appropriate marketing approvals, of VICTRELIS™ (boceprevir) as part of a triple combination therapy regimen with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin (peg/riba).
"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."
Under the terms of the agreement, Roche and Merck will work together in global markets, including Europe, Asia and Latin America, to educate physicians and patients about hepatitis C virus (HCV). The companies previously announced an agreement to promote VICTRELIS in the United States and collaborate to explore new treatment regimens for patients with chronic HCV.
"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."
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