Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

VRUS addendum re SVR:

The buzz from VRUS about how great it is that they are testing for SVR in the phase-3 trials is bordering on propaganda, IMO. VRUS claims that Clevudine has a unique MoA that clears hepatocytes of HBV cccDNA, but they don’t explain what’s unique about it. I doubt that Clevudine’s MoA is significantly different from Tyzeka’s or Baraclude’s in this regard.

Moreover, I question whether Clevudine—or any nucleoside analog—can clear cccDNA so thoroughly that the disease will never come back.

Talking about SVR makes a good story because most investors in this sector are already familiar with the importance of SVR in HCV. Moreover, I give VRUS credit for designing an SVR test into the phase-3 trials as a secondary endpoint. But I question whether Clevudine is really any better than Tyzeka and Baraclude in clearing cccDNA and thereby providing a bona fide cure.