Merck’s WINREVAIR shows promise in phase 2 study for hard-to-treat pulmonary hypertension

The drug is being tested for combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Merck's drug, WINREVAIR met its primary goal in a Phase 2 study for hard-to-treat pulmonary hypertension, showing a significant and clinically meaningful reduction in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) compared to a placebo.

The drug is being tested for combined post- and precapillary pulmonary hypertension (CpcPH) due to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

These positive results from the CADENCE study will help guide future Phase 3 studies.

"The CADENCE trial shows that WINREVAIR can improve pulmonary vascular resistance, a key hemodynamic parameter with the potential to impact patient outcomes,” said Dr. Mahesh Patel, Merck’s vice president of global clinical development. “This proof-of-concept study was designed to explore WINREVAIR’s pharmacological activity in a new patient population and to inform future Phase 3 development.”

WINREVAIR significantly reduced pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with CpcPH due to HFpEF at 24 weeks compared to placebo.

WINREVAIR is already FDA-approved for adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to improve exercise capacity, functional class, and reduce risk of clinical worsening, including hospitalization, lung transplantation, and death. It is currently approved in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The positive results support proof-of-concept for Phase 3 development, and Merck plans to present these findings at a future scientific conference.