Merck To Present New Data Analyses Of Its Investigational Ragweed Pollen And Grass Pollen Allergy Immunotherapy Tablets

Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, today announced that researchers will present new data analyses of the safety and efficacy of the company’s investigational allergy immunotherapy tablets (AITs) for ragweed pollen ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and grass pollen ( Phleum pratense) at the 2013 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held in San Antonio from February 22-26.

Merck's AIT products are investigational, dissolvable oral tablets designed to help treat the underlying cause of allergic rhinitis by generating an immune response to help protect against targeted allergens. Merck has partnered with ALK-Abello to develop AITs in North America. Earlier this year, Merck submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for its grass pollen AIT to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Merck plans to submit a BLA for its ragweed pollen AIT to the FDA later in 2013.

“We are pleased to present new results for Merck’s investigational AIT products to the scientific community that we believe will be valuable in thinking about immunotherapy and the treatment of allergic rhinitis,” said Jeffrey A. Chodakewitz, M.D., senior vice president, Global Scientific Strategy, franchise head, Infectious Diseases and interim franchise head, Respiratory & Immunology, Merck Research Laboratories. “Merck is committed to research in the area of allergic rhinitis.”

Select Merck Presentations at AAAAI

Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Poster Session 3209, Exhibit Hall C

• 403: Characterizing the 12 Amb a 1-U Ragweed Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet Adverse Event Profile in Adults with Ragweed-Induced Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
• 405: Safety of Ragweed Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet: Results From Four Placebo-Controlled Trials

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m., Poster Session 5206, Exhibit Hall C

• 809: Ragweed Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet Reduces Use of Ocular Antihistamines in Patients With Ragweed Pollen–Induced Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
• 810: Effect of Allergy Immunotherapy Tablet in Patients with or without Local Application-Site Reactions

About Merck

Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada. Through our prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions. We also demonstrate our commitment to increasing access to healthcare through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of Merck’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline products that the products will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

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