Pharmasset Initiates QUANTUM, a Phase 2b Interferon-Free Trial of PSI- 7977 and PSI-938 for All HCV Genotypes
Pharmasset, Inc. (Nasdaq:VRUS - News) announced today that screening has begun in a Phase 2b, international study of PSI-7977 and PSI-938, two nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitors for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (HCV). The QUANTUM trial will evaluate interferon-free regimens of PSI-7977 400mg QD and PSI-938 300mg QD with and without ribavirin over 12 or 24 weeks in patients with HCV who have not been treated previously. The trial will also evaluate the use of PSI-938 monotherapy.
"We are encouraged by the early efficacy and safety data being generated with our nucleotide analogs, PSI-7977 and PSI-938," stated Michelle Berrey, MD, MPH, Pharmasset's Chief Medical Officer. "The QUANTUM trial is the first interferon-free, all-nucleotide study with an SVR endpoint. The ability to include all HCV genotypes was supported by data from the NUCLEAR study and the interferon free arms of the ELECTRON trial. Data from ELECTRON are expected later this year."
About the Phase 2b QUANTUM Trial
This study is designed to enroll approximately 450 patients with chronic HCV of all viral genotypes who have not been treated previously. The primary endpoint of the trial will be sustained virological response (SVR24). Patients will be equally randomized across the following arms:
PSI-938 only
PSI-938 and PSI-7977
PSI-7977 and ribavirin
PSI-938, PSI-7977, and ribavirin
All arms will be study for both 12 and 24 weeks with a placebo control of 24 weeks.
HCV patients will be stratified by IL28B status and baseline HCV RNA to ensure balance across cohorts. Cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients will be enrolled in the study.
Additional details on this and all ongoing Pharmasset sponsored trials can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.
