Merck has entered an agreement to begin development of a Zetia and Lipitor combination product in collaboration with Schering-Plough. The Merck/SP Pharmaceuticals joint venture was formed in 2000 to develop and market new medicines in the U.S. in cholesterol management and respiratory disease. The cholesterol collaboration was expanded in 2001 and includes worldwide markets (excluding Japan). The joint venture/partnership also markets Zetia and Vytorin in the U.S. (and marketed as Ezetrol and Inegy, respectively, in countries outside the U.S.)

"Everyone at Merck is delighted that we have entered into this agreement with Schering-Plough," said Richard T. Clark, president and chief executive officer of Merck. "This agreement exemplifies Merck's 'Plan to Win' by expanding our lead in cutting-edge science through investments in our own internal research as well as through external collaborations and is a logical next step for our very strong and successful partnership with Schering-Plough."

The development program is designed so that a combination product could be available when the patent for Lipitor expires in 2010.

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