Merck & Co. said Monday that it is halting the development of its two experimental Covid-19 vaccines, after initial data from clinical trials showed the traits generated disappointing immune responses against the virus.
Initial vaccine studies indicated that they produced lower immune responses in subjects who received the vaccines compared to people who survived Covid-19 or took authorized vaccines against Covid-19, the company said.
The exit eliminates a major vaccine player from the constellation of companies looking for shots to slow the spread of the virus, as the few companies that have been able to introduce shots into the market struggle to meet strong demand.
Kenilworth, Merck, based in New Jersey, one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers, said it will now focus on advancing two experimental drugs Covid-19.
Merck said it expects the results of the drug’s pair testing in the coming weeks and the company could ask regulators to authorize the use if the results are positive.