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Potent Abbott Hepatitis C Virus Protease Inhibitors Show Efficacy and Potential for Once Daily Dosing in Preclinical Studies
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Data Presented at the 2nd Annual International Workshop on Hepatitis C Resistance & New Compounds
WATERTOWN, Mass., November 01, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers from Enanta Pharmaceuticals today presented data on novel Hepatitis C protease inhibitors with potent antiviral activity in the cell-based replicon assay and favorable pre-clinical pharmacokinetic properties with the potential for once-daily dosing in humans.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases a person's chances of developing chronic liver disease, and affects more than 170 million people worldwide. Current treatment options are not sufficient. Specifically targeted antiviral therapies for HCV, such as NS3/4a protease inhibitors, may have the potential to increase the proportion of patients in whom the virus can be eradicated.
The abstract, "Potent HCV protease inhibitors with the potential for once-daily dosing," was presented today in a session focused on protease inhibitors at 8:30 a.m. during the 2nd Annual International Workshop on Hepatitis C Resistance & New Compounds in Boston.
"These compounds have demonstrated remarkable potency in the antiviral replicon assay and favorable pre-clinical pharmacokinetic properties supporting the potential for once-daily dosing in humans," said Yat Sun Or, Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Enanta Pharmaceuticals. "These data demonstrate our commitment to the discovery of next-generation protease inhibitors that will enhance the treatment options for patients who are infected with hepatitis C."
Abbott and Enanta Pharmaceuticals formed a collaboration in 2006 to develop and commercialize HCV protease inhibitors. The partnership leverages Abbott's innovative work in the protease inhibitor field against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and leadership in the area of antiviral therapies and Enanta's core expertise in chemistry and drug discovery. The HCV NS 3/4A serine protease is the focus of the collaboration.
About Hepatitis C Virus
Hepatitis C is a liver disease affecting over 170 million people worldwide. The virus is spread through direct contact with the blood of an infected person. Hepatitis C increases a person's risk of developing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer and death. Liver disease associated with HCV infection is growing rapidly, and current therapies only provide sustained benefit in about half of patients with the genotype1 form of the virus.
About Enanta
Enanta Pharmaceuticals is a research and development company that uses its novel chemistry approach and drug discovery capabilities to create best in class small molecule drugs in the anti-infective field. At the heart of Enanta is its commitment to innovative chemistry that surpasses traditional medicinal chemistry approaches. Enanta is developing novel protease and polymerase inhibitors targeted against the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Additionally, the Company has created a new class of macrolide antibiotics, called Bicyclolides that overcomes bacterial resistance. Antibacterial focus areas include superbugs, respiratory tract infections, and intravenous and oral treatments for hospital and community MRSA. Enanta is a privately held company with offices in Watertown, MA. More information about the company can be found at www.enanta.com.
Enanta Contact
For Enanta Investor Relations, please contact:
Paul Mellett
617-607-0761
For Enanta Public Relations, please contact:
Jennifer Greenleaf
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
508-647-0209
CONTACT: Investor Relations, Paul Mellett of Enanta
Pharmaceuticals,+1-617-607-0761; or Jennifer Greenleaf of MacDougall BiomedicalCommunications for Enanta Pharmaceuticals, +1-508-647-0209
Web site: http://www.enanta.com/
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