ViroPharma: HCV-796 shows antiviral effects against hepatitis C in phase 1b study

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., Aug. 28 - ViroPharma, Inc. said preliminary data from a phase 1b study of HCV-796, an orally dosed hepatitis C virus polymerase inhibitor being co-developed with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, demonstrated the drug's antiviral effects across multiple genotypes of hepatitis C virus in treatment-naive adult subjects.

During the treatment period, there was no evidence of viral rebound with the combination therapy relative to pegylated interferon alone, the company noted, adding that no dose-limiting toxicities were seen and although safety data remain blinded, tolerability was consistent with that expected from pegylated interferon.

"[We] plan to initiate phase 2 with the 500 mg [twice-daily] dose, to be followed by further evaluation of the dose response," chief scientific officer Colin Broom said in a company news release.

ViroPharma, located in Exton, Pa., develops products that address serious diseases treated by specialist physician and in hospital settings.

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