Merck known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, will return the global marketing and development rights for both the intravenous (IV) and oral formulations for Vernakalant to Cardiome Pharma Corp. Vernakalant IV is marketed, in certain countries, under the brand name Brinavess.

Brinavess was approved in the European Union on September 1, 2010 for the rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm in adults: for non-surgery patients with AF of seven days or less and for post-cardiac surgery patients with AF of three days or less. Vernakalant IV is not approved for use in the United States or Canada.

The companies said that they will work together to smoothly transition activities and ensure continued availability of the product to physicians and patients in countries where the medicine is approved.

"We have made a business decision to return the rights for Vernakalant to Cardiome," said Michael Mendelsohn, MD, senior vice president & head, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular research, Merck Research Laboratories. "We continue to support the safety and efficacy profile of vernakalant. We look forward to working with Cardiome to conduct a transition that has the best interests of patients and their physicians in mind. Merck remains committed to developing new drugs for cardiovascular diseases."

“Cardiome looks forward to continued advancement of the launch of Brinavess IV worldwide and welcomes the opportunity to continue development of vernakalant oral worldwide and vernakalant IV in North America,” said Dr William Hunter, Interim CEO of Cardiome. “We thank Merck for its contribution to the Vernakalant programme and anticipate a smooth transition for the physicians and patients who rely on Brinavess.”

Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. Through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, and consumer care and animal health products, we work with customers and operate in more than 140 countries to deliver innovative health solutions.

Cardiome Pharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of new therapies that will improve the health of patients around the world.