NEW YORK (AP) — Merck & Co. said today its potential hepatitis C drug boceprevir met key goals in late-stage studies.

The company said the drug prompted immune system responses to fighting the disease in studies involving newly treated patients and patients taking additional treatments.

The company expects to submit an application to the Food and Drug Administration by the end of the year.

Merck acquired the drug when it merged with Schering-Plough. Other potential hepatitis C drugs in development include Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s telaprevir.

Hepatitis C is an infectious disease that can cause liver damage.