Merck announced it will present significant new clinical and outcomes research data at the upcoming American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session and Expo (ACC.25) in Chicago from March 29-31, 2025. The presentations will showcase the company's ongoing commitment to advancing cardiovascular disease research and improving patient outcomes.
ZENITH Trial: Breakthrough Data for High-Risk PAH Patients
The highlight of Merck's presence at ACC.25 will be the first presentation of results from the Phase 3 ZENITH trial, which evaluated WINREVAIR™ (sotatercept-csrk) when added to background therapy in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, Group 1 PH) WHO functional class (FC) III or IV at high risk of mortality. This data will be featured as a late-breaking presentation on Monday, March 31.
Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Merck Research Laboratories, emphasized the significance of this trial: "ZENITH is the first study in PAH in which the interim analysis led to an early conclusion due to overwhelming efficacy and adds to the growing body of data evaluating WINREVAIR in a broad spectrum of patients with PAH."
WINREVAIR, which received FDA approval for the treatment of adults with PAH, represents a significant therapeutic advancement as the first activin signaling inhibitor therapy for this condition. The drug works by improving the balance between pro-proliferative and anti-proliferative signaling to modulate vascular proliferation, addressing the underlying pathophysiology of PAH.
Addressing Gaps in Cholesterol Management
Beyond PAH research, Merck will present four outcomes research presentations focused on cholesterol management, highlighting critical gaps in current treatment approaches:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating residual atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk in statin users
- Real-world data on the frequency of LDL-C measurement among adults prescribed lipid-lowering therapy
- A model estimating the clinical and economic benefits of non-statin lipid-lowering therapy
- Research on healthcare resource utilization and costs among patients treated for dyslipidemia
Dr. Bjorn Oddens, senior vice president and head of value and implementation at Merck Research Laboratories, noted the importance of these findings: "Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is an established and modifiable risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a disease which accounts for 85 percent of cardiovascular deaths, but nearly two-thirds of individuals do not reach their LDL-C goals."
WINREVAIR: Safety Profile and Mechanism of Action
WINREVAIR's safety profile includes monitoring requirements for hemoglobin and platelet counts. The most common adverse reactions observed in clinical trials included headache (24.5% vs 17.5% for placebo), epistaxis (22.1% vs 1.9%), rash (20.2% vs 8.1%), and telangiectasia (16.6% vs 4.4%).
In preclinical models, WINREVAIR demonstrated promising effects, including cellular changes associated with thinner vessel walls, partial reversal of right ventricular remodeling, and improved hemodynamics. The drug is administered via subcutaneous injection and is available in 45 mg and 60 mg doses.
Merck's Cardiovascular Disease Legacy
Merck has a long history in cardiovascular medicine, having introduced its first cardiovascular therapy more than 60 years ago. The company continues to prioritize this therapeutic area, recognizing the significant global burden of cardiovascular disease, which claims approximately 19 million lives worldwide annually.
"Advancements in the treatment of cardiovascular disease can make a critical difference for patients around the world," a company spokesperson stated. "At Merck, we strive for scientific excellence and innovation in all stages of research, from discovery through approval and life cycle management."
Looking Forward
The data being presented at ACC.25 represents Merck's ongoing commitment to addressing unmet needs in cardiovascular medicine. By focusing on both innovative treatments like WINREVAIR for PAH and identifying gaps in current cholesterol management approaches, the company aims to improve outcomes for the millions of patients affected by cardiovascular diseases globally.
The cardiovascular community eagerly anticipates the full results of the ZENITH trial, which could potentially change treatment paradigms for high-risk PAH patients who currently face limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis.
