Scientists track mystery Drug's journey through 6 healthy volunteers

NCT ID NCT06626464

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This completed Phase 1 study from Merck followed 6 healthy adults to see how the drug elpipodect (MK-8189) is absorbed, broken down, and eliminated. Participants took a single oral dose, and researchers measured the drug in blood, urine, and feces over time. The goal was purely to understand the drug's behavior in the body, not to test it for any specific disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Elpipodect (MK-8189)
What this could lead to: If successful, this study will help researchers understand how elpipodect moves through the body, which is a key step toward developing it as a treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study in just 6 healthy people. It only looks at how the drug is processed, not whether it works for any disease. Results may not apply to patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Labcorp Clinical Research Unit Inc. (Site 0001)

Madison, Wisconsin, 53704, United States

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