Merck selected Interlink Healthcare Communications as pre-launch medical education agency of record for two experimental atherosclerosis compounds. The compounds, in Phase III clinical trials, are known as MK-524A and MK-524B. Merck hopes to file new drug applications in 2007. A novel approach to treating HDL-C, or “good cholesterol,” MK-0524A combines Merck’s extended-release niacin with an ingredient to inhibit flushing, for use alone or with a statin. MK-0524B combines MK-0524A with Merck’s Zocor (simvastatin), which is approved for lowering LDL cholesterol, or “bad cholesterol.” Interlink will develop scientific and strategic foundations for both drugs.Duramed Pharmaceuticals has retained Pace, part of Lowe Healthcare Worldwide, as consumer and professional agency for the relaunch of ParaGard (intrauterine copper contraceptive). Duramed acquired ParaGard when it bought FEI Women’s Health last year for $281.5 million.MBL Communications has appointed independent media representative company Sherburne Medical Media to represent various accounts for the publications CNS Spectrums and Primary Psychiatry and for Psychiatry Weekly.