Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Re: Role of interferon in HCV SoC

Are there any expectations that the new small-molecule treatments for HCV will entirely replace interferon in the future?

The question is when, not if. Virtually everyone in the field thinks this will happen in due course.

I'm just curious because that would obviously negatively impact HGSI and ZGEN, among others, long-term.

This is clearly one of the risks of investing in these companies and others such as Biolex. On the other hand, NVS’ deal for Albuferon, today’s BMY deal for IFN-Lambda, and the recent VC support for Biolex show that there is still a high level of interest in alternatives to Pegasys and Pegintron, even though the commercial lifespan of such programs could end up being shorter than the duration of the patent protection.