FDA Expert Panel to , Determine the Efficacy of , Merck's Chronic Cough Medication.<br />FDA Expert Panel to , Determine the Efficacy of , Merck's Chronic Cough Medication.<br />On November 15, health regulators in the <br />United States flagged concerns that Merck's chronic <br />cough drug, gefapixant, may not have a meaningful benefit.<br />On November 15, health regulators in the <br />United States flagged concerns that Merck's chronic <br />cough drug, gefapixant, may not have a meaningful benefit.<br />Reuters reports that the concerns <br />were listed in documents released ahead <br />of a meeting of independent experts.<br />In afternoon trading, Merck shares <br />were down almost 1%, coming in at $101.2. .<br />Concerns were raised after additional efficacy <br />data was submitted by the company to the <br />U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<br />Concerns were raised after additional efficacy <br />data was submitted by the company to the <br />U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<br />In January of last year, the FDA <br />declined to approve the drug.<br />The FDA's expert panel of advisers is set to meet <br />on November 17 to discuss the data provided by <br />Merck and determine the efficacy of gefapixant.<br />Reuters reports that the panel will determine whether the <br />small reduction in cough frequency that comes with the <br />drug is clinically meaningful enough to be approved.<br />Reuters reports that the panel will determine whether the <br />small reduction in cough frequency that comes with the <br />drug is clinically meaningful enough to be approved.<br />Chronic cough impacts about 10% of the world's adult <br />population, with about half of those individuals not having <br />an identifiable cause for the cough despite testing. .<br />Merck's gefapixant blocks receptors that <br />stimulate nerves which trigger a cough.<br />In the European Union and Japan, the drug <br />has been approved to treat chronic coughing <br />and is sold under the brand name Lyfnua
