Merck & Co. said Monday that it is stopping the development of the two experimental Covid-19 vaccines after data from early clinical trials showed that the photos generated disappointing immune responses against the virus.
Early-stage vaccine studies indicated that they produced lower immune responses in subjects who received the vaccines compared to people who survived Covid-19 or received authorized Covid-19 vaccines, the company said.
The release eliminates a major vaccine player from the constellation of companies looking for shots to reduce the spread of the virus, as the few companies that have managed to bring photos to market are struggling to meet heavy demand.
Kenilworth, Merck of NJ, one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers, said he would now focus on advancing two experimental drugs, Covid-19.
Merck said it expects test results for the drug pair in the coming weeks, and the company could ask regulators to authorize the use if the results are positive.