Ariad and Merck Say Sarcoma Drug Improves Survival

Arlene Weintraub6/6/11

Whitehouse Station, NJ-based Merck and Cambridge-based Ariad announced positive results from a Phase 3 study of their sarcoma drug, ridaforolimus, at the conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) today. Ridaforolimus blocks the mTOR protein, a master biological switch that allows tumors to grow and thrive. The study showed a 28 percent reduction in the risk of progression or death in those treated with ridaforolimus compared to placebo. Based on the drug’s performance in the trial, called Succeed, Merck plans to file for approval in the U.S. and Europe this year.