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More on the same HCV story…
Novartis Building Its Antiviral Arsenal

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Jun 06, 2006

Novartis has announced a $507 million licensing deal with Human Genome Sciences for Albuferon, giving Novartis rights to co-promote the hepatitis C drug candidate in the US, with exclusive marketing and promotion rights outside the US. This is the Swiss firm's latest step in its strategy to build a versatile hepatitis C portfolio and become a leading player in this high-growth market.

It is easy to see why Albuferon caught Novartis' eye. The drug candidate, which was developed by Human Genome Sciences, is a long-acting version of the cytokine interferon. Its half-life is significantly longer than that of currently marketed pegylated interferons such as Schering-Plough's PEG-Intron and Roche's Pegasys and, as such, Albuferon requires less frequent dosing, which may improve its tolerability and efficacy.

The investigational drug is currently undergoing three phase IIb clinical studies in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in combination with ribavirin, and is expected to enter phase III trials before the end of 2006.

The Albuferon acquisition represents Novartis' latest move in its aggressive strategy to become a leading player in the hepatitis C virus (HCV) market. The Basel-based pharma giant has already in-licensed two other biotech-developed compounds, namely Idenix' HCV polymerase inhibitor NM283 and Anadys' oral toll-like receptor 7 agonist ANA975. More recently, Novartis entered into an agreement with Genelabs for the latter's non-nucleoside drug discovery program. Novartis' HCV portfolio also includes the cyclophilin binder NIM811.

Effective HCV therapy requires the combination of drugs with different yet complementary mechanisms of action. Including Albuferon, Novartis' HCV portfolio is currently comprised of a late-stage interferon (Albuferon), a late-stage antiviral (NM283), an immunomodulator (ANA975) and a host-cell enzyme inhibitor (NIM811). Moreover, Novartis has also been marketing generic ribavirin through its Sandoz generics subsidiary since Q2 2004.

This comprehensive drug portfolio will enable Novartis to compile different types of combination regimes for HCV therapy, which will place the company in a strong position to tap a market poised for accelerated growth - Datamonitor estimates that the HCV market, which was worth $2.2 billion in 2005, will double in value by 2010.

The key question now is whether Novartis' appetite for HCV drugs will be sated with its latest acquisition. After all, the most promising developmental compound, Vertex' protease inhibitor VX-950, is still up for grabs.
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