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Merck Scientists Publish Landmark Paper on Novel Method for Large-Scale Biocatalytic Synthesis of Investigational Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor, Enlicitide Decanoate
RAHWAY, N.J., May 07, 2026--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today the publication of work describing the large-scale synthesis of enlicitide decanoate, the company’s investigational oral PCSK9 inhibitor, using a tailored suite of enzymes in the latest issue of the peer reviewed journal Science.
About this update from Merck & Company, Inc.
[{"type":"image","alt":"","displaySize":"","headline":null,"caption":"","credit":null,"className":"","disableSlideshowImg":false,"size":{"original":{"width":480,"height":217,"url":"https://media.zenfs.com/en/business-wire.com/e47754f89c313018abf6b44926efe431"},"resized":{"url":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/iJ.D.oPn7tFLI6dJ9XsN0A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTQzNA--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/business-wire.com/e47754f89c313018abf6b44926efe431","width":480,"height":217}},"lazy":false},{"type":"text","content":"Publication in Science magazine outlines blueprint for the scalable synthesis of complex orally available macrocyclic peptides","length":126,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"Enlicitide, a novel macrocyclic peptide, has the potential to be the first approved oral PCSK9 inhibitor","length":104,"tagName":"p","attribs":{}},{"type":"text","content":"RAHWAY, N.J., May 07, 2026--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, announced today the publication of work describing the large-scale synthesis of enlicitide decanoate, the company’s investigational oral PCSK9 inhibitor, using a tailored suite of enzymes in the latest issue of the peer reviewed journal Science.","length":360,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":""Macrocyclic peptides have the potential to unlock new opportunities to develop oral treatment options for challenging therapeutic targets and broaden patient access," said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories. "The scalable production process for enlicitide described in this publication showcases Merck’s scientific capabilities and underscores our sustained commitment to helping address the global cardiovascular epidemic."","length":465,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"In this publication, Merck scientists detail the biocatalytic assembly of enlicitide using a suite of enzymes that catalyze selective peptide fragment formation, coupling, and macrocyclization. Together with efficient purifications using crystallization, this strategy enabled the manufacture of a product that would not be possible with traditional synthetic methods. The method described offers a sustainable blueprint for the scalable development of complex macrocyclic peptide therapeutics, environmental advantages and manufacturing efficiencies that support eff...