SmithKline Beecham Plc's Relafen, or nabumatone, now the No. 1 branded medicine in the U.S. for treating arthritis, and Lodine, etodolac, made by American Home Product's Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories. The companies, however, aren't allowed by the Food and Drug Administration to promote the drugs as being easier on the stomach. Clinical Results Early clinical results have been impressive, according to analysts. In one trial of Merck's MK-966 at a dose 10 times more than what's expected to be normally used, the drug caused ulcers only slightly more than a placebo. By contrast, more than 70 percent of those using ibuprofen had ulcers, according to Aros analyst Maris.
Some questions still remain.
There's also the question of whether Merck's MK-966 and Searle's celecoxib are more effective than existing drugs as well as being safer. Merck is expected to present clinical data at the American College of Rheumatology in early November about how well its drug did against osteoarthritis in the knee and hip. Searle also will be making a presentation. Stakes are high for both companies. Merck has several major drugs that will lose their patent protections after the year 2000 and needs a blockbuster drug to help take up the slack.