Idenix Pharmaceuticals (IDIX)

[DewDiligence]

It’s appropriate to consider Viread and Hepsera as though they were one drug because, from a business standpoint, that’s what they are. When Viread is approved for HBV in late 2008 or early 2009, GILD will cease all promotion of Hepsera.

Moreover, there will no reason for patients to begin a treatment regimen that includes Hepsera (either as monotherapy or in combination). Whatever Hepsera can do, Viread can do better.

>Any data yet available to compare Viread/Hepsera for patients relapsing?<

Are you asking whether Hepsera still has a role to play in patients who become resistant to Viread? The answer is No, Hepsera is unlikely to help such patients and it would be bad medicine to even try if there are other approved HBV drugs to which such patients are treatment-naïve. Regards, Dew