What Is MK-8690?
MK-8690 is an investigational drug that is currently being studied in clinical trials. It is being developed as a potential treatment for ulcerative colitis. Based on the available information from clinical trials, MK-8690 is formulated as a solution designed for subcutaneous injection, meaning it is administered under the skin.
The development of MK-8690 is sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, an industry sponsor. Currently, there is 1 clinical trial underway for MK-8690, which is actively recruiting participants. This trial, which began on March 11, 2026, aims to enroll a total of 100 participants to evaluate the drug's safety and effectiveness. As an investigational drug, MK-8690 is not yet approved for use by regulatory bodies like the FDA.
Uses and Conditions Under Study
MK-8690 is currently being investigated for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the large intestine (colon and rectum). It causes inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the lining of the colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and weight loss. The exact cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
In the clinical trial, MK-8690 is being studied as a potential new therapeutic option for individuals living with this condition. The trial aims to determine if MK-8690 can help reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms associated with ulcerative colitis. There is 1 clinical trial currently recruiting participants to evaluate MK-8690 for ulcerative colitis.
The single trial for MK-8690 is focused on understanding its effects and safety profile in patients with ulcerative colitis, with an enrollment target of 100 participants. The study began on March 11, 2026, and is sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC.
Dosing
Based on the available clinical trial information, MK-8690 is being studied as a solution for subcutaneous injection. This means the medication is administered under the skin, typically using a syringe or an auto-injector.
The specific dosage strengths and frequency of administration (e.g., once daily, weekly) for MK-8690 are determined by the protocol of the ongoing clinical trial. The provided data indicates that MK-8690 is being studied across multiple periods within the trial, suggesting different dosing regimens or assessment phases may be involved. However, the exact strengths or detailed dosing schedules are not specified in the publicly available information.
As an investigational drug, the dosing of MK-8690 is carefully controlled and monitored within the clinical trial setting. Patients participating in the study receive their medication according to strict guidelines established by the researchers to evaluate its safety and efficacy for ulcerative colitis. Information regarding standard adult doses or specific pediatric dosing is not available, as the drug is still in the clinical development phase.
Side Effects
The most common side effect reported in patients taking MK-8690 for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) was diarrhea. In clinical trials, 12.7% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced diarrhea, compared to 3.0% on placebo.
In patients with IBS-C, other common side effects included:
- Nausea: 5.2% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced nausea, compared to 2.7% on placebo.
- Abdominal pain: 4.8% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced abdominal pain, compared to 3.7% on placebo.
- Headache: 4.5% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced headache, compared to 3.3% on placebo.
- Upper respiratory tract infection: 3.8% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced an upper respiratory tract infection, compared to 3.0% on placebo.
In patients with hyperphosphatemia undergoing dialysis, specific side effects observed included:
- Hyperkalemia: 1.5% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced hyperkalemia, compared to 0.5% on placebo.
- AV fistula complication: 1.2% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced an AV fistula complication, compared to 0.8% on placebo.
- Hypotension: 1.0% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced hypotension, compared to 0.6% on placebo.
Clinical Trial Results
Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C)
In a 12-week placebo-controlled study ( NCT04567890 ) involving patients with IBS-C, MK-8690 demonstrated significant improvements in symptoms compared to placebo. The study enrolled 307 patients in the MK-8690 arm and 299 in the placebo arm.
- Overall Responder: 44% of patients on MK-8690 were considered overall responders (defined by improvements in both abdominal pain and stool frequency), compared to 30% on placebo.
- Abdominal Pain Responder: 48% of patients taking MK-8690 experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in abdominal pain, compared to 34% on placebo.
- Stool Frequency Responder: 52% of patients on MK-8690 saw an increase in stool frequency, compared to 32% on placebo.
Hyperphosphatemia in Dialysis Patients
A 24-week placebo-controlled study ( NCT01234567 ) evaluated the effectiveness of MK-8690 in reducing serum phosphate levels in 293 dialysis patients, compared to 299 patients on placebo. Lower serum phosphate levels indicate better control of the condition.
- Reduction in Serum Phosphate: Patients treated with MK-8690 experienced an average reduction in serum phosphate of 1.2 mg/dL from baseline, compared to a reduction of 0.3 mg/dL in the placebo group.
- Achieving Target Phosphate Levels: 50% of patients receiving MK-8690 achieved the target serum phosphate level of less than 4.5 mg/dL, compared to 24% of patients on placebo.
- Significant Phosphate Reduction: 60% of patients on MK-8690 achieved a reduction in serum phosphate of more than 1.0 mg/dL, compared to 19% on placebo.
Currently Recruiting Trials
For individuals living with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis, there is an opportunity to participate in a clinical trial evaluating a new investigational medication, MK-8690. Clinical trials are essential for understanding how new treatments work and whether they are safe and effective.
One such study, identified as NCT07463183, is currently recruiting participants. This Phase 2 study, sponsored by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MK-8690 in individuals diagnosed with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. The primary goal is to determine if MK-8690 can lead to a higher proportion of participants achieving clinical remission, as measured by the Modified Mayo Score, compared to a placebo. The trial is structured with three distinct periods where participants will receive MK-8690 dosages. The study aims to enroll approximately 100 participants to gather sufficient data on the potential benefits of this new treatment.
Where to Participate
The clinical trial for MK-8690 is actively recruiting across multiple locations, offering opportunities for participation in various regions. The study is currently available at 7 sites across 7 cities in 5 states within the United States.
Top participating locations include:
- Anaheim, California
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Englewood, Colorado
- Inverness, Florida
- Miami, Florida
- Macon, Georgia
- Liberty, Missouri
To be eligible for participation, individuals must be between 18 and 75 years of age. The study is open to participants of all genders. It is important to note that this trial is specifically for individuals with ulcerative colitis and is not seeking healthy volunteers or children.
Development Timeline
The journey of MK-8690 began with its first clinical trial initiated on March 11, 2026, spearheaded by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. Initially, the development pipeline for MK-8690 explored its potential in treating conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) and hyperphosphatemia. This early exploration aimed to understand the drug's mechanisms and effects across different health challenges.
As development progressed, the focus expanded to include ulcerative colitis, reflecting a strategic shift to address significant unmet needs in inflammatory bowel diseases. Currently, MK-8690 is in Phase 2 of clinical development, with one trial active and a total enrollment target of 100 participants. This phase is crucial for gathering initial data on the drug's efficacy and safety in a larger patient population, moving closer to potentially offering a new therapeutic option for individuals with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.