Merck Initiates Pivotal Phase 2b/3 Trial for MK-8748 in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Merck has initiated a pivotal Phase 2b/3 trial to evaluate MK-8748 (Tiespectus), a bispecific antibody that activates Tie2 signaling and inhibits VEGF, for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The trial, MALBEC, will compare MK-8748 to aflibercept 2mg in patients with NVAMD. The decision to advance into pivotal studies is based on results from the Phase 1/2a RIOJA trial. Merck is advancing an ophthalmology pipeline aimed at addressing certain retinal diseases associated with vascular leakage and neovascularization.