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Victrelis approved by FDA as chronic hepatitis C treatment
SILVER SPRING, Md.— The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for chronic hepatitis C, the agency said Friday.
The FDA announced the approval of Merck’s Victrelis (boceprevir) for patients with the disease. The drug is designed for patients who still have some liver function and have not previously received treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection or have failed previous treatments. The drug is approved for use in combination with the generic drug ribavirin and pegylated interferons, biotech drugs used for treating the disease.
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Merck closes Inspire acquisition
WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Drug maker Merck has completed its acquisition of eye care company Inspire.
As previously reported, Merck announced its plan to acquire the company for $5 per share in cash, or $430 million. In addition, Monarch Transaction, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck, has merged with and into Inspire, with Inspire surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck, effective today.