Biotech Values

[mskatiescarletohara]

Dew...Actilon...

Dr. McHutchison of Duke University is a world reknowned GI specialist,...and advises VRTX and PPHM on their candidates, actually, I think he's probably involved in about every new investigational therapeutic for HCV in some fashion. One should take note that he is clearly hinting or even suggesting that HCV "standard of care" may be changing to triplet therapy for non-responders. Do not underestimate the market potential for a new HCV regimen for the 50% who fail treatment, the results are so-so, but they have a response from non-responders which is not too shabby.

The ability of ACTILON to improve the number of patients with HCV RNA undetectable levels and Early Virological Responses in a relapsed, treatment-refractory patient population is noteworthy as these patients lack alternative treatment options. Of the approximately 50 percent of chronic Hepatitis C patients who fail initial treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, re-treatment is typically unsuccessful. The higher incidence of early responses observed in this study suggests that the triplet combination including ACTILON now requires further exploration and confirmation in subsequent clinical trials in terms of safety and efficacy," said Dr. McHutchison.