Researchers have more than 25 scientific data presentations regarding infectious disease medicines. The investigational data was collected by Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) during this year’s 27th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases held in Austria. Among other things, the presentations will be highlighting top line data collected from the pivotal Phase 3 clinical study of letermovir.

The new establishment by Merck explains the company’s continued commitment to finding and developing novel medicines and vaccines. “At Merck, we have never wavered in our commitment to invest in developing anti-infective therapies that prevent and treat serious infectious diseases.” The VP of infectious disease clinical research, Merck Research Laboratories, Dr. Nicholas Kartsonis explains.

Presentation of real-world use data

Infectious diseases are among the main global threats to public health. According to Kartsonis, the threats have triggered the need for continued collaboration not only with researchers but also with clinicians and other global stakeholders.

The presentation at ECCMID 2017 will primarily be about the study of letermovir. This serves as Merck’s investigational antiviral medicine for the impediment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, the presentations will also include data on the in vitro activity of ZERBAXA® 1.5 g, which is established as a treatment measure for adults suffering from complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI).

The SMART program by Merck

Merck, which has a portfolio of antibiotic and antifungal medicines as well as vaccines is extending its discovery through late-stage development and for more than 80 years the company has been fighting to combat infectious diseases. Its portfolio also incorporates medicines for HIV and HCV.

Merck has initiated a surveillance program known as SMART. The program’s role is to monitor the in vitro vulnerability of clinical segregates to numerous and commonly used antibiotics in different parts of the world.

The company is currently holding onto nine compounds in Phase 2/Phase 3 clinical trials, which have the potentiality of preventing infectious diseases. In the meantime, Merck’s stock closed at $62.64 witnessing an increase of $0.37 or 0.59%.