Merck & Co. Inc. is pledging major resources on its prospect in the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor space with a phase III program that together will enroll about 17,000 subjects and test oral peptide MK-0616’s effect on tackling low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Merck & Co. revealed the structure of an orally active and potent proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor macrocyclic peptide, MK-0616, which is being developed for the potential treatment of hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.