In short
MK-8690 is an investigational medicine being studied for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. One Phase 2 clinical trial is currently authorised in the European Union, planning to enrol 106 participants. The trial compares MK-8690 given by subcutaneous injection against a placebo to see whether it can bring about clinical remission by week 12.
Key points
- MK-8690 is an investigational medicine for ulcerative colitis.
- The only registered trial is a Phase 2 study with 106 planned participants.
- The trial is currently authorised in the EU Clinical Trials Information System.
- Participants receive MK-8690 or placebo by subcutaneous injection.
- The main measure is clinical remission on the Modified Mayo Score at week 12.
- The trial record number is 2025-523479-49-00.
What is MK-8690?
MK-8690 is an investigational medicine. In the European Union Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS), it is recorded only as a development code, with no trade name or marketing authorisation listed. The substance is being studied in a single interventional Phase 2 trial for people with ulcerative colitis, a long-term condition in which the lining of the large bowel becomes inflamed and ulcerated.
How does MK-8690 work?
The registry record for this trial does not describe the mechanism of action of MK-8690. No supplementary sources were provided that explain how the substance acts in the body. Because the trial is still in Phase 2, the main question being asked is whether the medicine can produce a measurable clinical effect in people with ulcerative colitis.
Which conditions is it studied for?
- Ulcerative colitis — a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine and rectum. The authorised trial is testing whether MK-8690 can help people with this condition achieve clinical remission.
How is MK-8690 given?
In the registered trial, MK-8690 is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected into the layer of tissue just under the skin. The trial record lists the strength as 00 % (V/V) percent volume/volume, which appears to be an incomplete or placeholder entry rather than a reported dose. The comparison arm receives a placebo for MK-8690, also by subcutaneous injection.
What do the clinical trials show?
There is one clinical trial of MK-8690 in the registry, identified as 2025-523479-49-00 and also known as MK-8690-002. It is a Phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled study with a planned enrolment of 106 participants. The trial is currently authorised, meaning it has received regulatory approval to begin but is not yet listed as ongoing or completed.
The primary outcome measure is the percentage of participants achieving clinical remission at week 12, assessed using the Modified Mayo Score (MMS). The Mayo Score is a standard tool for measuring ulcerative colitis activity, based on stool frequency, rectal bleeding, findings from endoscopy, and a physician's overall assessment. The modified version used here focuses on a subset of these components.
The trial is designed to compare MK-8690 directly against placebo. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the investigational medicine or a placebo injection, and the main comparison is how many people in each group achieve clinical remission by week 12.
What side effects are known?
No side effect data for MK-8690 are available in the registry record, and no supplementary sources were provided. Because the trial is still in an early phase and has not reported results, the safety profile of MK-8690 has not yet been described in the sources used for this page.