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Medivir: Clinical Phase I Trial with Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitor Initiated
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STOCKHOLM, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medivir, on behalf of the Tibotec and Medivir collaborative project, announced that this week Tibotec initiated a phase I clinical trial with a potent and selective hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The phase Ia clinical trial is designed to assess the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. The study will be conducted in Europe.
The preclinical research conducted on the clinical candidate demonstrated favorable characteristics in potency, cross-resistance profiles and pharmacokinetic properties, supporting the exploration of oral dosing in the clinical trials.
This milestone triggers a payment of EUR 2.5 million to Medivir.
"As there is a great need of new and effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C, we are extremely pleased that this project with joint resources and efforts now enters clinical trials " says Medivir's CEO Lars Adlersson.
The candidate is a novel HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor with excellent antiviral activity in the replicon cell-based assay and demonstrating good oral bioavailability.
Project Data
* Collaboration with Tibotec Pharmaceuticals Ltd since November 2004
* Candidate drug designated in December 2005
* Excellent antiviral activity in cell-based assays
* Good oral bioavailability
* Several series of potent inhibitors have been developed that provide backups
Medivir has a HCV polymerase research program looking for lead optimization and this project is along with Roche. Medivir has has research programs in HIV for NNRTI & NRTIs, and for a microbicide.
About Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is a liver disease which is caused by infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to the WHO, 3% of the global population is infected with HCV, which means 200 million individuals. In the USA, 1.8% of the population is infected, that is 3.9 million people. In more than 60% of these cases, the HCV infection leads to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and liver tumors. It is the most common reason for liver transplant. The HCV market is currently dominated by interferon-based treatments.
For more information about Medivir please visit: www.medivir.se
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Rein Piir, CFO and VP Investor Relations Office: +46 8 546 831 23 or
mobile: +46 708 537 292
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