KENILWORTH, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced the publication of research conducted by Merck scientists on the discovery and development of verubecestat, an investigational small molecule inhibitor of the enzyme beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), for the potential treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The research was published online in the latest edition of the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine and includes results from the Phase 1 clinical trials in healthy volunteers and people with AD. The efficacy and safety of verubecestat is currently being evaluated in two pivotal Phase 3 clinical trials, EPOCH and APECS, for the treatment of mild-to-moderate AD and prodromal AD, respectively.

“The development of a potential disease modifying therapy for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has long been a focus of biomedical research,” said Dr. Michael Egan, vice president, clinical development neurosciences, Merck Research Laboratories. “We believe this research has the potential to contribute important evidence regarding the amyloid hypothesis, a leading scientific theory for what causes Alzheimer’s disease, and we look forward to seeing the data from our ongoing Phase 3 clinical trials.”

BACE1 is an important enzyme in the initiation of the toxic Aβ peptide production in the brain. Researchers believe that sustained, selective inhibition of BACE1 leading to a significant decrease in the toxic Aβ peptide production is a promising means for therapeutic intervention. This hypothesis has not yet been demonstrated in clinical studies.

Historically the development of selective BACE1 inhibitors with properties allowing oral absorption and the ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier to the site of action in the brain proved technically challenging. Detailed analysis of the BACE1 protein structure and function by Merck scientists over many years was used to design a series of drug-like compounds with an ability to inhibit the protein, both in vitro and in the central nervous system (CNS) of preclinical animal models. This process yielded the lead compound verubecestat. Verubecestat produced significant CNS Aβ lowering in rodents and non-human primates treated for 6- to 9-months. Verubecestat’s preclinical safety and tolerability profile supported its progression into human clinical testing for chronic use.

Subsequent evaluation of once-daily doses of verubecestat in Phase 1 studies of healthy volunteers and in people with AD for a duration of one week demonstrated significant decreases in the levels of Aβ peptide production, a key marker of BACE1 activity, in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of up to 80 percent. Data from patients with AD were initially presented at the 2013 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC).

Results of the Phase 1 trial of patients with Alzheimer’s disease

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multiple dose study evaluated the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic profile of verubecestat in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (n=32). Patients were randomized to receive one of three doses (12 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg) of verubecestat or placebo orally once-daily for seven days. Samples of CSF were collected over 36 hours via a lumbar catheter and analyzed for levels of amyloid β 40 (Aβ40), amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) and soluble amyloid precursor protein β (sAPPβ) as biomarkers of BACE1 activity.

In this study, verubecestat at doses of 12, 40 and 60 mg caused a dose-dependent and sustained reduction in the levels of Aβ40 from baseline in the CSF, a measure of BACE1 activity, of 57, 79 and 84 percent, respectively.

No study discontinuations due to adverse events were recorded. Analysis of vital signs and laboratory assessments, including liver function tests, showed no statistically significant changes related to the administration of verubecestat. Verubecestat was generally well-tolerated in healthy volunteers and individuals with AD. No dose-dependent increase in the incidence of adverse events was observed. Adverse events included headache, nasal congestion and dizziness.

About the EPOCH Study

EPOCH is a Phase 2/3 randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind study evaluating efficacy and safety of two oral doses of verubecestat (12 mg and 40 mg) administered once-daily versus placebo in patients with mild-to-moderate AD currently using standard of care treatment. The primary efficacy outcomes of the study are the change from baseline in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog) score, as well as the change from baseline in the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study – Activities of Daily Living (ADCS-ADL) score, following 78 weeks of treatment. For more information about the EPOCH study, visit www.merck.com/clinical-trials/infographics/P07738.html.

About the APECS Study

APECS is a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blind Phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of verubecestat in subjects with prodromal AD. The study is designed to enroll 1,500 participants. Patients will be randomized to receive placebo, or 12 mg or 40 mg verubecestat, once-daily. The primary efficacy outcome of the study is change from baseline in the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale-Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) score following 104 weeks of treatment.

About Merck

For 125 years, Merck has been a global health care leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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