Biotech Values

[oc631]

It is anticipated that TMC649128 will be used in combination with other HCV direct acting antiviral agents, given its high genetic barrier to resistance and antiviral activity across multiple HCV genotypes.

Much less hype than ACHN's early claims for ACH-2684. ACHN is having a stellar day (up 20%) to $7.22 as I write this message. In turn I would add ACHN to my short list of HCV candidates. Even if 2684 achieves pangenotypic status it will need to be paired outside its class to boost the drugs resistance profile IMO. BMY pairing their P.I. with their NS5A already ended in failure. Will ACHN meet the same fate? The P.I. class therefore may only find limited usage in nulls and non-responders on top of nukes and the chance of a safety issue, even at this MC, is more risk than I would be willing to bear.



Next year VRUS will begin late stage testing PSI-7977 monotherapy and/or the dual nuke combo without Peg/Riba. How will investors in ACHN react to expensive phase 2 testing in combination with PEG/Riba when the end of their usage is in sight? The future of HCV oral therapy will do just fine with or without ACH-2684.