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MK-8748

Phase 3

Diabetic Retinopathy | Small molecule | Ophthalmology |Merck & Company, Inc.|Last Updated: Sep 2, 2026

Target and mechanism

Molecular targetTie2
Target classReceptor
ModalitySmall molecule

Success Probability

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Market & Valuation

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Trial Design

RandomizedDouble-BlindACTIVE_CONTROLLEDDMC
Total Trials2
Total Enrollment2,064

FDA Designations

No designations recorded

Clinical trial landscape

MK-8748 · 2 trials · 2 indications

Phase 3 2
NCT07705607A Clinical Trial of MK-8748 Compared to Aflibercept in Participants With Diabetic Macular Edema (MK-8748-005)Diabetic Retinopathy
NOT YET_RECRUITING1,104 Analytics
NCT07705555A Clinical Trial of MK-8748 Compared to Aflibercept in Participants With Diabetic Macular Edema (MK-8748-004)Diabetic Retinopathy
RECRUITING960 Analytics
PHASE3NOT YET_RECRUITING
A Clinical Trial of MK-8748 Compared to Aflibercept in Participants With Diabetic Macular Edema (MK-8748-005)
Diabetic RetinopathyUnlock trial analytics
PHASE3RECRUITING
A Clinical Trial of MK-8748 Compared to Aflibercept in Participants With Diabetic Macular Edema (MK-8748-004)
Diabetic RetinopathyUnlock trial analytics

Study Endpoints

Primary Endpoints

Mean Change in Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] Letters) From Baseline to Year 1
Baseline and 1 Year

Participants' BCVA in the study eye will be measured using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy (ETDRS) methodology. The ETDRS letter score ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating better visual acuity. Mean change in ETDRS letters from baseline to Year 1 will be assessed.

Secondary Endpoints

Mean Change in Central Subfield Thickness (CST) from Baseline to Week 52
Baseline and Week 52
Mean Change in CST from Baseline Over Time
Up to approximately 2 years
Time to Absence of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) at Week 52
Up to approximately Week 52
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Study Design & Arms

AllocationRANDOMIZED
MaskingTRIPLE
ModelPARALLEL
PurposeTREATMENT

Treatment Arms

ArmTypeDescription
MK-8748 Low DoseEXPERIMENTALParticipants receive 5 initial administrations of MK-8748 low dose every 4 weeks (Q4W), then continue to receive MK-8748 low dose every 8 weeks (Q8W) until week 48. After week 48, participants will be treated at intervals determined based on individualized response to treatment, up to week 100.
MK-8748 High DoseEXPERIMENTALParticipants receive 5 initial administrations of MK-8748 high dose every 4 weeks (Q4W), then continue to receive MK-8748 high dose every 8 weeks (Q8W) until week 48. After week 48, participants will be treated at intervals determined based on individualized response to treatment, up to week 100.
Aflibercept 2 mgACTIVE_COMPARATORParticipants receive 5 initial administrations of aflibercept 2 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W), then continue to receive aflibercept 2mg every 8 weeks (Q8W) until week 100.

Interventions

NameTypeDescription
MK-8748DRUGAdministered by intravitreal injection (IVT)
AfliberceptDRUGAdministered by intravitreal injection (IVT)
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Eligibility Criteria

Age Range18 Years to N/A
SexALL
Healthy VolunteersNo

Inclusion Criteria: The main inclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following: * Has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of ≤12% * Has a decrease in vision in the study eye determined by the Investigator to be primarily the result of diabetic macular edem...

Countries:United States
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Recent Changes (Last 90 Days)

LOWSep 2, 2026NCT07705555Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING → RECRUITING
LOWSep 2, 2026NCT07705555Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING → RECRUITING
LOWSep 2, 2026NCT07705555Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING → RECRUITING
LOWJul 15, 2026NCT07705607NEW_TRIAL: changed
LOWJul 15, 2026NCT07705555NEW_TRIAL: changed
LOWJul 15, 2026NCT07705607NEW_TRIAL: changed
LOWJul 15, 2026NCT07705555NEW_TRIAL: changed

Frequently asked questions about MK-8748

What is MK-8748 used for?

MK-8748 is an investigational small molecule being developed for diabetic retinopathy, specifically for diabetic macular edema. It is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials comparing it to aflibercept in participants with diabetic macular edema.

What does MK-8748 target?

MK-8748 targets Tie2, a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in vascular stability and angiogenesis. By modulating Tie2 activity, the drug aims to address the vascular pathology underlying diabetic retinopathy and macular edema.

Who makes MK-8748?

MK-8748 is being developed by Merck & Company, Inc., which trades under the ticker symbol MRK on the New York Stock Exchange. The company is currently conducting Phase 3 trials for this investigational therapy.

What phase is MK-8748 in?

MK-8748 is in Phase 3 clinical development. It is not yet approved by the FDA and remains investigational. Two Phase 3 trials are ongoing or planned, with one actively recruiting participants and the other not yet recruiting.

What clinical trials is MK-8748 in?

MK-8748 is being studied in two Phase 3 trials. NCT07705555 is recruiting 960 participants in the United States, and NCT07705607 plans to enroll 1104 participants. Both trials compare MK-8748 to aflibercept in patients with diabetic macular edema.

Is MK-8748 the same as aflibercept?

No, MK-8748 is not the same as aflibercept. MK-8748 is an investigational small molecule targeting Tie2, while aflibercept is an approved biologic that inhibits VEGF. In clinical trials, MK-8748 is being compared directly against aflibercept as an active control.