Merck Drops Development Of Oral Atrial Fib Candidate (Vernakalant); Keeps IV Version

Larry Huston, writing for Forbes, has the scoop -- do go read it all:

. . . .Merck has discontinued its development of oral vernakalant for the long term prevention of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence. Cardiome Pharma, Merck’s partner in the drug, said today that the "decision was based on Merck’s assessment of the regulatory environment and projected development timeline."

Merck and Cardiome will continue their partnership with the intravenous formulation of vernakalant, Brinavess, which is approved in 37 countries outside the US for the rapid conversion of recent onset AF. . . .

So it goes.