Merck Drug Remigromig Met Non-inferiority Target
The experimental treatment met vision goals in a clinical trial but showed higher rates of ocular safety issues.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Biotech
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Merck reported that its experimental drug remigromig met non-inferiority goals in the Brunello clinical trial compared to Roche’s Lucentis. However, participants taking the treatment experienced higher rates of eye bleeding and retinopathy.
Why it matters
The clinical results impact Merck’s strategy to reach $70 billion in annual sales by the next decade. The company is now navigating the balance between trial efficacy and the safety signals identified in the study.
The Brunello trial measured visual acuity after administering injections every four weeks during the first year. The drug works by targeting the Wnt signaling pathway, a series of proteins that play a key role in cell communication and development.
The players
Merck
A global pharmaceutical company focused on oncology, vaccines, and infectious disease therapies, currently targeting $70 billion in annual sales.
EyeBio
A clinical-stage ophthalmology biotech firm acquired by Merck to bolster its pipeline of eye disease treatments.
Roche
A multinational healthcare company whose ophthalmology portfolio includes the leading vision-impairment drug Lucentis.
The details
The Brunello trial evaluated remigromig, formerly known as Restoret, which Merck acquired through its $1.3 billion takeover of EyeBio in 2024. While the drug reached non-inferiority benchmarks for visual acuity, the study observed higher incidences of proliferative diabetic retinopathy and intraocular bleeding among the treatment group compared to the control. These safety concerns also led to a higher rate of trial participant discontinuation.
Timeline
Merck acquired EyeBio and the drug remigromig in 2024.
Results from the Brunello trial were announced on September 24, 2026.
Full trial results are scheduled for presentation at a medical meeting on October 10, 2026.
The Tech Race
The development of remigromig sits within a competitive landscape of ophthalmology treatments targeting the Wnt signaling pathway. Merck’s progress on this asset is critical for maintaining its momentum in high-growth therapeutic areas against entrenched rivals like Roche.
Remigromig is currently an experimental treatment and is not yet available for clinical use. Potential patients and clinicians should monitor upcoming regulatory filings and the results of the second ongoing pivotal trial to determine the drug's safety and efficacy profile.
The takeaway
The Brunello trial results demonstrate that while remigromig can match existing standards for visual acuity, its safety profile remains a primary point of scrutiny. Investors and clinicians should watch for the full data presentation on October 10 to better understand the long-term clinical viability.
What happens next
Merck is currently evaluating the drug in a second pivotal trial and plans to present full Brunello trial results at a medical meeting on October 10, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Biotech to understand how novel signaling pathways are changing eye care.
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